Redact PDF
Automatically detect and permanently redact sensitive information when you redact PDF files online — names, SSNs, bank accounts, credit cards, phone numbers, and 54+ PII types. Auto-identify, review, and apply blackout in one flow. Free redact PDF tool — no account required.
Free redact PDF online · Upload below · No signup
Sensitive information types
Choose what to detect and redact. Legal defaults are pre-selected.
People & demographics
Contact & location
Financial
Custom keywords
Exact-match phrases to redact (e.g. client names, project codes). Same as the desktop app — up to 5 keywords.
0/5 keywords added
Select PDF file
or drop PDF here
Max 3 pages · Max 2 MB · 3 uses/month
Larger or longer PDFs? Download the desktop app for unlimited pages and offline batch redaction.
Need unlimited pages? Redact PDF offline — 100% on your computer
This online redact PDF tool is limited to 3 pages, 2 MB, and 3 uses per month (free) or 20 pages, 5 MB, and 10 uses per month (subscribers). For discovery productions, court filings, and batch bank statements, download the desktop app to redact PDF with unlimited pages, fully offline, automatic PII detection across entire folders.
100% offline
Files never leave your computer
Unlimited pages & batch
Process hundreds of PDFs in one run
54+ PII types
Auto-detect names, SSNs, bank accounts, and more
Free trial download
Windows & macOS — no cloud upload
Encrypted processing
Files transferred over TLS and stored in encrypted cloud storage during processing.
Auto-detect in seconds
54+ PII types detected automatically — names, SSNs, bank accounts, emails, and more.
Works in any browser
Use this redact PDF tool on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android — no software install needed.
How to redact PDF online
Three steps to redact PDF and download your permanently blacked-out file.
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop or click to select a PDF (max 3 pages, 2 MB). Choose what to detect before you redact PDF content.
Review detected text
See every auto-detected match highlighted on the page. Exclude false positives or draw manual boxes before you redact PDF pages.
Apply & download
Confirm your selections and apply permanent blackout. Download your redact PDF result — sensitive text is removed, not just hidden.
Why use this redact PDF tool?
The fastest way to redact PDF online — auto-detection plus human review, permanent removal not just overlay.
Permanent redact PDF output
When you redact PDF files here, sensitive text is fully removed from the export — not a visual overlay that can be copied or searched.
Review before you apply
Unlike one-click tools, you inspect every detection before committing. Deselect matches or add manual areas.
Auto-detect 54+ PII types
Names, phone numbers, emails, US bank accounts, credit cards, SSNs, passport numbers, and custom keywords.
Built for legal & finance docs
Designed for contracts, bank statements, court filings, and HR records where accidental disclosure is costly.
Free redact PDF online
Start immediately — no signup, no credit card. Free tier: 3 pages, 2 MB, up to 3 redactions per month.
Offline option available
Need unlimited pages or 100% offline redact PDF? Download the desktop app — files never leave your machine.
Redact PDF FAQ
What does it mean to redact PDF?▼
To redact PDF content means permanently removing selected text or images so they cannot be viewed, copied, or recovered. Proper redact PDF tools eliminate the underlying content — not just a black rectangle drawn on top.
How do I redact PDF online for free?▼
Upload your PDF on this page, select sensitive information types to detect, and start analysis. Review highlighted matches, adjust selections, apply permanent blackout, and download. This redact PDF tool requires no account.
Is this redact PDF tool free?▼
Yes. Redact PDF online for free with no signup. Each file is limited to 3 pages and 2 MB, with up to 3 completed redactions per month. Subscribers get 20 pages, 5 MB, and 10 redactions per month. For unlimited pages, batch processing, and fully offline redact PDF, download the desktop app.
Can I undo a redaction after applying?▼
No. Once redaction is applied and you download the file, the removed content cannot be recovered. Always review detected text on the preview screen before clicking Apply.
How do I black out text when I redact PDF?▼
Upload your PDF, let the tool auto-detect sensitive text, then review highlights. Click any highlight to exclude it, or draw manual blackout boxes. Apply when ready to redact PDF and download.
How do I redact PDF without Adobe Acrobat?▼
Use this free redact PDF tool in your browser — no Adobe subscription needed. Upload, auto-detect PII, review, and download. For larger productions or scanned PDFs with OCR, try the desktop app for Windows and macOS.
What sensitive information can be auto-detected?▼
54+ entity types including person names, phone numbers, email addresses, US bank account numbers, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, addresses, dates, passport numbers, and country-specific IDs. You choose which types to redact.
Is it safe to redact PDF online?▼
Files are uploaded to encrypted storage, processed on secure cloud infrastructure, and automatically deleted after processing. For maximum confidentiality, use the offline desktop app to redact PDF without uploading files.
What is the difference between online and desktop redact PDF?▼
This online redact PDF tool is a free preview: max 3 pages, 2 MB, 3 redactions per month (free) or 20 pages, 5 MB, 10 redactions per month (subscribers), with cloud processing. The desktop app runs 100% offline with unlimited pages, batch folder processing, OCR for scanned PDFs, and the same 54+ PII detection engine.
More redact PDF guides
Step-by-step tutorials for bank statements, contracts, and more.