White-out is the quickest way to fix a PDF you can't edit directly. Drag a white box over the wrong text, switch to the Text tool, and type the correction in the same spot. On most documents the result looks like the original was printed that way.
Tips for the best result
- Drag slightly larger than the text so no edges peek out.
- White-out only covers the text. To make sure nobody can copy the old words out of the file, tick Flatten pages before saving.
- On coloured or patterned backgrounds a white box will show — crop or use a matching image instead.
How to white out 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 white out text in a PDF?
Open your PDF here (White-out is already selected), drag a box over the text you want to hide, then click Save PDF. To replace it, choose Text and type over the white box before saving.
Does white-out delete the text underneath?
No — it covers it. The hidden text can still be selected or copied in some PDF readers. Tick Flatten pages before saving to turn each page into an image, which removes the hidden text for good.
Can I white out an image or signature?
Yes. A white-out box covers anything on the page: text, images, stamps or lines.
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