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SECURE
Permanently remove names, numbers or any other text from a PDF, so it can’t be read or copied back.
QUICK ANSWER
To redact a PDF, add the file and type the exact words to remove, such as a name or an account number. StackPDF finds every match and removes that text from the file itself, not just covers it. Pages with matches are saved as images with the words blacked out, so their text can’t be selected afterwards. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
You’ll type the text to remove next. It stays in this browser.You’ll type the text to remove next. It stays in this browser.
PDF files · Runs in your browser
QUICK ANSWER
To redact a PDF, add the file and type the exact words to remove, such as a name or an account number. StackPDF finds every match and removes that text from the file itself, not just covers it. Pages with matches are saved as images with the words blacked out, so their text can’t be selected afterwards. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
HOW TO
Drop it here, or choose it from your computer, your phone or My files.
Enter the exact words, such as a name or a number. Every match is found and listed.
The text is gone from the file. Check the pages, then share it.
GOOD TO KNOW
A black box drawn over text leaves the words in the file. Redaction removes them.
| METHOD | IS THE TEXT STILL IN THE FILE? | SAFE TO SHARE? |
|---|---|---|
| A black highlight or shape | Yes, it can be copied out | No |
| Redact PDF | No, the text is removed | Yes |
| Sanitize PDF | Hidden data goes, page text stays | Use it as well as redaction |
Pages with redactions are saved as images, so their text can’t be selected or searched afterwards.
PRIVACY
Yes. Redact PDF runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
StackPDF opens the PDF in your browser tab and does the work there.
Close the tab and it’s gone. Free results download to your device. Premium can also keep them in My files.
pdf-lib, PDF.js and qpdf do the work, inside your browser.
FAQ
Add the PDF, type the exact words to remove and choose Redact this PDF. Every match is removed from the file, not just covered up.
Yes. The free plan includes 1 PDF export a day, with no account. Premium removes the daily limit for $5.99 a month or $39.99 a year.
No. Redaction happens in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device.
No. The matching text is removed from the file, not covered with a box, so it can’t be copied or searched for. Check the pages before you share the copy.
Pages with a match are saved as images, with the matches blacked out, so the words are gone from the file. Their text can’t be selected or searched afterwards. Pages without a match stay as they were.
Not directly, because a scan has no text to find. Run OCR PDF first so the words can be matched.