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Guide

How to redact a PDF so the text can't be copied.

Drawing a black box over text hides it on screen, but the text is still in the file. Real redaction removes it.
A fictional letter, before and after
Steps

Four steps.

  1. 1
    Mark what to remove

    Draw a redaction box, or use Redact by search to find names, phrases and patterns such as Social Security and card numbers across every page. Matches are boxed so you can review them.

  2. 2
    Review the boxes

    Nothing is removed yet. Check each box, delete the ones you do not want, and set a reason if you need one.

  3. 3
    Apply the redactions

    Choose how. Picture mode turns each redacted page into an image, so its text can no longer be searched or copied. Words mode removes only the covered words and keeps the rest searchable.

  4. 4
    Save, then check the copy

    Save the redacted file as a new copy and keep the original. Open the copy and try to search for what you removed.

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A cover is not a redaction

A rectangle drawn over text leaves the text in the file. Anyone can select and copy it. Apply the redactions to remove it.

Picture mode is the safe default

The trade-off is that the redacted pages are no longer searchable. Use words mode when the rest of the page needs to stay searchable.

Look beyond the page

Redpen also removes a covered word from the document properties, bookmarks and comments that quote it. Unapplied boxes trigger a warning before you save.

Questions

Short answers.

How do I redact a PDF without Acrobat?
Open the file in Redpen, mark the text with a redaction box or Redact by search, then apply the redactions and save a copy.
Is a black rectangle enough?
No. A shape drawn over text hides it visually but the text stays in the file. Applying redactions removes the covered content.
Can I redact every Social Security number at once?
Yes. Redact by search includes a pattern for Social Security numbers, and you can add your own pattern.
Does my document leave my computer?
No. Redaction runs on your computer and no AI feature reads your documents.
RelatedBates numbering a PDF Remove hidden data from a PDF Pricing

Redpen is software, not legal advice. Review a redacted file before you send it. Screenshots use a fictional letter.

Try it on a document of your own.

14 days of every feature. No credit card. Files stay on your computer, and nothing is uploaded.

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