Sharing a bank statement, ID card or contract but don't want to reveal everything? Drag black boxes over the details, and keep Flatten pages ticked (it's on by default here). Flattening redraws each page as an image, so the text under the black boxes no longer exists in the file — it can't be selected, searched or copied. Because the tool runs in your browser, the unredacted document is never uploaded anywhere.
Tips for the best result
- Check every page — use the arrows above the page to move through the document.
- After downloading, open the file and try selecting the hidden text to confirm it's gone.
- Flattened pages are images, so the file can be larger. Run it through Compress PDF if needed.
How to redact PDF
- Click Select PDF file and choose your PDF.
- Pick a tool on the right: Text, White-out, Highlight, Box, Draw or Image.
- Click or drag on the page. Use the arrows above the page to move between pages.
- Click Save PDF and download your edited file.
Want more options? The full Edit PDF tool has every setting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I redact a PDF for free?
Open your PDF here, drag black boxes over the information you want to hide, keep Flatten pages ticked, and click Save PDF. The downloaded file has the information permanently removed.
Why isn't a black box enough?
Many leaked documents were 'redacted' with black boxes drawn on top while the text stayed in the file underneath. Flattening removes that layer by turning each page into a picture, so there is no text left to copy.
Is this suitable for legal redaction?
It removes the covered content from the pages, but it doesn't remove metadata such as the document title or author, and it doesn't produce a redaction log. For court filings or regulated work, follow the rules your court or organisation sets.
Will the rest of the text still be searchable?
No. Flattening turns the whole page into an image, so no text on that page can be selected afterwards.
How do I edit a PDF for free?
Open this page, select your PDF, choose a tool such as Text or White-out, click or drag on the page, and click Save PDF. There's no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how often you use it.
Step-by-step guide: How to edit a PDF for free
Read the guide