Redact PDF
Permanently black out sensitive information.
Runs in your browser
Black out text in a PDF permanently on your phone or computer, from names and emails to phone or card numbers. Redacted pages become images, so hidden text can't be copied back, and nothing is uploaded.
How to redact a PDF for free
- 1Select a PDF file.
- 2Draw boxes over what you want removed, search for text, or use smart detect.
- 3Review the marked areas, then press Redact & download.
- 4Save the new file with the information removed.
Why Sahl PDF?
- Truly permanent: redacted pages become images, so hidden text can't come back
- Search a word and mark every match at once
- Smart detection of emails, phones, card numbers and national IDs
- Processed in your browser — sensitive data is never uploaded
Frequently asked questions
Is PDF redaction really permanent?
Yes. Pages with redacted areas are turned into images, so the text under the boxes is removed and can't be copied or recovered.
How is redaction different from drawing a black box?
A plain box only covers text visually, and the text can still be copied from underneath. Redaction removes the content for good.
Can I search for a word and redact it on every page?
Yes. Type the word in the search box and mark all the matches at once.
Do the other pages stay searchable?
Yes. Only pages that contain redacted areas become images; the rest stay as they were.
What does redact mean in a PDF?
Redacting means permanently removing sensitive content rather than just covering it, so it can't be read, copied or recovered from the file.
How do I redact a PDF on iPhone?
Open the tool in your iPhone's browser, draw boxes over the text with your finger or search for a word, then press Redact & download.