Secure redaction
Removes matched page content and replaces it with an opaque black region.
■ Secure removal option◫ Cosmetic effects labeled⌕ Local preview scan✓ Server-confirmed matches
PDF
Drop your PDF here
or click to select a document with searchable text
Choose PDFPDF only · up to 300 pages · server checks your account allowanceChoose the right protection
Secure removal and visual obscuring serve different needs
The safest choice depends on whether you need actual content removal or only a visual presentation effect.
Gaussian blur
Softens the visible region while leaving original text underneath.
Pixelation
Creates a block effect but is still only a cosmetic overlay.
Searchable PDFs
Text matching requires a text layer; image-only scans need OCR first.
Redaction safety checklist
For personal, financial, legal or confidential information, prefer secure redaction rather than blur.
Names, IDs and addresses may appear in different formats. Process each relevant variation.
Search, select and visually inspect every page in a trusted PDF reader before sharing.
Process PDF text in four steps
Open
Choose a searchable PDF and enter its password if encrypted.
Find
Enter an exact phrase and select the page scope.
Choose
Select secure redaction, blur or pixelation.
Verify
Download and carefully inspect the processed document.
Frequently asked questions
Does blur permanently remove PDF text?
No. Blur and pixelate place visual imagery over the match. The underlying text may remain searchable, selectable or recoverable. Use secure redaction for content removal.
Will secure redaction remove every sensitive item?
It removes matches for the exact phrase you provide on selected pages. Search and process spelling, spacing and formatting variations separately, then verify the output.
Why are no matches found in a scanned PDF?
An image-only scan has no searchable text layer. Run OCR first, or use a coordinate-based redaction tool.
Is matching case-sensitive?
No. The underlying PDF search is case-insensitive, but punctuation, spacing and line breaks can affect phrase matching.
Can existing digital signatures be affected?
Yes. Rewriting a PDF generally changes its bytes and may invalidate certificate-based signatures.