Why is the output image-only?

Every page is re-rendered as an image before the PDF is saved, even pages without rectangles. That way the text layer is gone everywhere — not just under the black boxes. Fake redactions that only overlay a shape while keeping the original text are still readable with a copy-paste or in any PDF library.

Will the file size change?

Usually yes. Because every page becomes an image, the output is typically 2–5× larger than a text-based PDF. A file that was 500 KB as searchable PDF may be 1.5–3 MB after redaction. For privacy-sensitive documents that trade is worth making.

Is any of my file uploaded?

No. Your PDF is loaded, edited, and exported entirely in your browser via pdfjs-dist and pdf-lib. Nothing is sent to any server.

Can I still search the redacted PDF?

No — by design. The output has no searchable text layer at all. If you need both redaction AND partial searchability, this tool is not the right choice.

PDF Redactor

Draw black rectangles over content and export a true image-only PDF. The removed text is gone from the file, not just hidden.

Your data never leaves your device

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the output image-only?

Every page is re-rendered as an image before the PDF is saved, even pages without rectangles. That way the text layer is gone everywhere — not just under the black boxes. Fake redactions that only overlay a shape while keeping the original text are still readable with a copy-paste or in any PDF library.
Will the file size change?

Usually yes. Because every page becomes an image, the output is typically 2–5× larger than a text-based PDF. A file that was 500 KB as searchable PDF may be 1.5–3 MB after redaction. For privacy-sensitive documents that trade is worth making.
Is any of my file uploaded?

No. Your PDF is loaded, edited, and exported entirely in your browser via pdfjs-dist and pdf-lib. Nothing is sent to any server.
Can I still search the redacted PDF?

No — by design. The output has no searchable text layer at all. If you need both redaction AND partial searchability, this tool is not the right choice.