PDF Redactor — Remove or Replace Sensitive Information
Safely redact or replace sensitive information in PDF files. Select text or areas, review your changes, and download the processed PDF.
Your file is processed in this browser and is not uploaded. Learn how PDF redaction works. This tool removes the content you select and checks the result. It is not a legal certification, and it does not promise that every hidden copy in an unusual PDF is gone.
Redact a PDF without only hiding the text
A black rectangle drawn on top of a PDF can leave the original words selectable, searchable, and copyable. PDF Redactor removes the page content you select, writes a separate file, and checks that the selected text is no longer in that file. Learn how PDF redaction works.
Text, areas, and replacement values
Select real PDF text when the file has it, or draw a rectangle over a scan, photo, signature, or other content that cannot be selected. Redact removes that content. Replace writes a value you choose in place of one occurrence or every matching occurrence of that same text.
What this check does not promise
The check looks for the text you selected and confirms redacted areas render as covered. It is not a government certification, and it cannot promise that every unusual PDF structure, earlier hidden version, or copy outside the page has been removed. Files with embedded attachments are refused. Password-protected PDFs need to be unlocked first.
Other PDF tools
After redacting, you can merge PDFs, split pages, or compress the file. Compression redraws pages as images, so redact first if the text still needs to be removed.
Privacy
The PDF stays in your browser. ToolGuru does not upload it and does not keep a copy after you leave the page.
How to Redact a PDF
Step 1
Upload a PDF
Drop a PDF or choose one from your device. The file stays in your browser.
Step 2
Mark what should change
Select text, or draw a box over a scan, image, or signature. Choose Redact or Replace, and review the list before anything is applied.
Step 3
Download the new PDF
Apply the changes. ToolGuru checks the result, shows a preview, and downloads redacted-your-file.pdf. The original file is left untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does drawing a black box redact a PDF?
No. A shape on top of the page can hide text while leaving it selectable and searchable. This tool removes the selected page content and then checks the exported file.
Can I replace a name everywhere it appears?
Yes. Select the text, choose Replace, enter the new value, and choose Replace all occurrences. Only the same text is changed. A longer word that merely starts with that text is left alone.
What if the PDF is a scan?
Use Mark area and draw a rectangle over the sensitive part. Scans often have no selectable text. The marked image and drawing content in that rectangle is redacted.
Is the redacted file certified or guaranteed private?
No. The tool checks that selected text is gone from the page and that marked areas render as covered. That is not a legal or forensic certification. Unusual PDF structures can still hold copies the check does not see.
Are my PDFs uploaded?
No. Redaction runs in your browser. The file is not uploaded and is not stored by ToolGuru.
What if a PDF is password-protected or has attachments?
Unlock a password-protected PDF first. This tool does not bypass passwords. PDFs with embedded file attachments are refused, because those attachments are not redacted.