Redact PDF content

Use redaction rather than a drawn rectangle

A normal shape placed over text can leave that text underneath, where someone may still select or copy it. Redaction removes the covered source content when the PDF is exported.

The marked page is rebuilt as an image with an opaque area where the content was removed. This can also remove searchable text and interactive features from that page, so check anything you need to retain.

Prefer a solid mark for sensitive information

Blur replaces the area with a mosaic. Shapes, colours and the surrounding text can still give clues about what was there. Use solid redaction for names, identifiers or other sensitive content.

Inspect the downloaded PDF

Open the exported file in another reader. Search for the removed name or phrase, and try selecting and copying across the marked region. Check comments, form values and attachments for other copies of the information.

Look beyond the mark itself. A repeated identifier on another page, a table total or the sentence around a name may reveal the same detail indirectly. Redact those areas too if they must not be shared.

Keep the unredacted copies private

The source file stays unchanged, and a local recovery draft may still hold the unredacted document. Keep or clear those copies according to your needs; sharing the redacted export does not remove them from your device.