How to redact PDF
- Add a PDF.
- Search for words to redact, or drag boxes over anything you want removed.
- Check every page, then select Save redacted PDF.
Questions
Why not just draw a black box in my PDF editor?
A black box drawn on top usually leaves the text underneath. Anyone can copy it out or remove the box. UserPDF rebuilds each redacted page as an image with the covered area blacked out, so the original text is not in the file at all.
Does search find everything?
It finds text that’s stored as real text. Words inside scans or photos can’t be searched, so draw boxes over those. Always check every page before sending.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. UserPDF runs entirely in your web browser. Your files are read and processed on your own device and are never sent to us or anyone else. You can even disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the tools keep working.
Is it free?
Yes. UserPDF is free to use with no sign-up and no watermark on your files. It’s supported by ads.