Redact PDF
Permanently remove sensitive text and graphics from a PDF. Redactions are baked into the file on export.
shieldFiles stay on your device — processing runs in your browser.
- check_circleDrag rectangles over any region to remove content
- check_circleContent is deleted, not just covered with a black box
- check_circleApply across single pages or page ranges
Redact sensitive content from PDFs
Permanently remove confidential text and graphics from a PDF. Drag rectangles over anything you want gone — when you export, LumosPDF deletes the underlying content instead of just drawing a black box over it, so it can't be copied or recovered. Redaction runs locally in your browser, keeping sensitive documents private.
How to redact a PDF
- 1Upload the PDF that contains sensitive information using the area above.
- 2Drag a rectangle over each piece of text or image you want to remove.
- 3Repeat across pages, then apply the redactions.
- 4Export the PDF — the redacted content is permanently deleted from the file you download.
Frequently asked questions
Is the redacted content really removed?
Yes. On export, LumosPDF deletes the underlying text and image data, not just covers it with a box, so it cannot be copied or recovered.
Can someone copy the text under a black box?
No. Because the content is physically removed from the file on export, there is nothing left underneath to select or copy.
Can I redact several pages at once?
Yes. Add redaction rectangles across any pages, then apply them all before exporting.
Are my documents uploaded for redaction?
No. Redaction happens in your browser, so confidential files never leave your device.
Is redacting PDFs free?
Yes, redaction is free and requires no account.