Your files never leave your device How we know
Paperwing
Translate Files stay on your device
All tools/PDF security

Redact a PDF for free

Permanently black out names, numbers and addresses in a PDF. Free, no account, and the document never leaves your device.

Select a PDF file

or drop them anywhere on this page

Processed on your device. Never uploaded.

Redaction is often a paid feature. Paperwing’s is free, permanent and private: the hidden text is removed from the file, not just covered, and the document is never uploaded.

How to redact a PDF for free

  1. Choose or drop your PDF.
  2. Drag over what to hide, or search for a word or number to mark every match.
  3. Keep “remove document properties” ticked.
  4. Click Redact PDF and download the redacted file.

Real redaction, not a black box

A black rectangle drawn on top of text hides nothing: the text underneath can still be selected and copied. Paperwing rebuilds each redacted page as an image with the black areas burned in, so the original text is gone from the file. It also removes hidden properties such as the author’s name.

Check it yourself

Open the redacted file, press Ctrl+A or Cmd+A and copy: the redacted words won’t be there. Search for them with Ctrl+F: no results.

What people redact

  • Account and card numbers on statements.
  • National ID and passport numbers on copies.
  • Names and addresses in documents released to others.
  • Salary figures and personal data in HR files.

Why Paperwing

  • Private by design
  • No queues, no waiting
  • Chain your tools
  • Works offline, installs as an app

Frequently asked questions

Can the redacted text be recovered?

No. The pages are rebuilt without it.

Why can’t I select text on redacted pages afterwards?

They are images now; that is what makes the redaction permanent. Run OCR PDF if you need the remaining text searchable.

Is it really free?

Yes, with no account and no limit.

Related tools