Free PDF Tool · Edit

Redact PDF

Run redact pdf in your browser. Free, private, no signup — your selected files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our server.

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Drop your file here

or click to browse from your device

Accepts: .PDF
How it works: In Permanent mode, the tool covers detected text runs or drawn boxes, then rasterizes affected pages. Cover-only modes draw rectangles visually and may leave original text in the PDF stream. Check the output carefully.

About this Redact PDF

Redact by searching for text runs or drawing boxes on the preview. Permanent mode rasterizes affected pages after covering the marked areas; cover-only modes are visual and may leave original text in the PDF stream.

Permanent mode rasterizes affected pages after covering the marked areas, so covered text is no longer kept as selectable PDF text on those pages. Unaffected pages may remain original. Verify the downloaded PDF before sharing sensitive documents.

Your privacy is the default. Your selected files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our server; all processing happens client-side using browser PDF libraries such as pdf-lib and PDF.js where needed. Closing the tab clears the working session from this page; downloaded files remain on your device.

This tool is free to use with no signup required. Large files may be limited by your browser’s memory and device performance. Part of PDF Tools Base, a privacy-first collection of 161 PDF utilities. Bookmark the page for next time, and explore related tools in the footer below.

How to use the Redact PDF tool

  1. Drop your PDF.
  2. Enter search text and/or draw boxes on the preview. Choose Permanent mode for rasterized output, or cover-only modes for visual cover-up.
  3. Click Process to apply the selected redaction mode.
  4. Download the output PDF and verify that the intended content is covered.

Why use PDF Tools Base?

100% Browser-Based

Redact PDF processes selected files in your browser. Your selected files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our server.

No Server Upload, No Signup

Your selected files are processed locally in your browser. No account, no server upload, no email needed.

No Watermark Ever

Outputs are clean. We never stamp our brand or a paywall watermark on your files.

Free to Use

No accounts and no signup. Use the tool as much as you need within reasonable browser limits.

Works on Every Device

Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, Chromebook. Any modern browser.

Built on Open Source

Powered by browser-side PDF libraries such as pdf-lib and PDF.js, depending on the operation.

Common uses for redact pdf

Review personal data

Cover names, addresses, or account numbers, then verify the output.

Legal review

Prepare marked copies for legal review workflows.

Privacy review

Cover personal information before sharing, then verify the output carefully.

Confidential extracts

Prepare checked excerpts after verifying the redacted output.

Frequently asked questions

Is Redact PDF safe to use?

Yes. Everything happens in your browser. Your selected files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our server. Closing the tab clears the working session from this page; downloaded outputs remain on your device until you delete them.

Do I need to register or sign in?

No. No account, no email, no sign-up. Open the page and start using the tool immediately. Free to use, no signup needed.

Is there a watermark on the output?

No. PDF Tools Base never adds a watermark or branding to your output. Your final file is clean — just what you produced from the original.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no fixed limit. Files are processed in your browser, so RAM, page count, and file complexity affect what is feasible. Phones may struggle with large PDFs; try splitting first or use a desktop browser.

Does this work on mobile devices?

Yes. The tool works on all modern mobile browsers: Chrome on Android, Safari on iOS, Firefox, Edge, Brave. The drag-and-drop also accepts files from your phone’s file manager.