Is redaction different from highlighting?

Yes. Redaction covers content permanently so it cannot be recovered, and it also covers the underlying text layer. Highlighting simply marks content that still exists.

Can I redact numbers and emails?

Yes. Type any exact string — SSNs, phone numbers, emails, names — and every matching text run is blacked out.

Are matches case-sensitive?

No, matching is case-insensitive, so "confidential" also covers "Confidential" and "CONFIDENTIAL".

No. Redaction runs entirely in your browser — your document never leaves your device.

Is redaction different from highlighting?

Yes. Redaction covers content permanently so it cannot be recovered, and it also covers the underlying text layer. Highlighting simply marks content that still exists.

Can I redact numbers and emails?

Yes. Type any exact string — SSNs, phone numbers, emails, names — and every matching text run is blacked out.

Are matches case-sensitive?

No, matching is case-insensitive, so "confidential" also covers "Confidential" and "CONFIDENTIAL".

No. Redaction runs entirely in your browser — your document never leaves your device.

Redact PDF — Free Online

Permanently remove sensitive information from PDF.

Drop your file here

or click to browse · max 200 MB per file

Choose File

Tips

→Black boxes are drawn over every matching text match — the content underneath is gone.
→Matches are case-insensitive and also cover page numbers and hidden text layers.
→Always open the result and double-check before sharing.

Other tools

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about redact pdf — free, private, no sign-up.

Open the Redact PDF tool, upload your PDF, type the words or phrases to hide (comma-separated), and click Redact PDF. Every match is permanently blacked out in the downloaded file.

How to use Redact PDF

Done in under a minute — right in your browser.

1
Open the Redact PDF tool
Go to yumpdf.com/redact-pdf in any browser.
2
Select your PDF
Upload the document with sensitive content.
3
Enter terms to redact
Type words or phrases, comma-separated.
4
Download the redacted PDF
Save the file with matches blacked out.