Local PDF Redaction (No Upload)
Fully private redaction: load a PDF, draw boxes over sensitive data, and save a redacted copy-processed entirely in your browser so files never leave your device.
Drag & drop a PDF here or
Load a PDF to begin.
How it works
- Load your PDF locally (drag & drop or browse) - no upload required.
- Use "Mark Redaction" and draw boxes over sensitive regions.
- Navigate pages with Previous/Next, adjust or undo marks.
- Click "Apply & Save" to burn black boxes into the PDF and save.
Processing details, limits, and tips
- Best for small/medium files (try < 50-80 MB) for smooth rendering.
- Masks are flattened as opaque rectangles; verify by re-opening the download.
- For scanned PDFs, ensure text is visible; this tool burns over the raster layer.
- Work offline after loading if your browser keeps the PDF in memory.
Security and privacy
All processing happens in your browser. Files are never uploaded to our servers. When you close the page, your marks and file leave the session.
What is redacting?
Redaction is the permanent masking of sensitive information in a document so it cannot be read or recovered. This tool covers content with black boxes and saves a new PDF.
Why use redaction?
- Protect personal data (PII/PHI) before sharing.
- Meet compliance (privacy policies, client confidentiality).
- Share only necessary information with partners or reviewers.
Common use cases
- Remove names, emails, phone numbers, and account numbers.
- Mask contract clauses, pricing, or client identifiers.
- Hide addresses or MRNs before external review.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this upload my PDF? No. Everything stays in your browser.
- Can hidden text be recovered? The tool burns opaque boxes. Reopen the downloaded file to confirm masked areas are not readable.
- Will annotations be redacted? Draw over any content you need to mask; the rectangle covers underlying visible content.
See more answers on the Redact PDF FAQ.