Redact a PDF
Draw boxes over names, account numbers or anything private. The hidden content is permanently removed — not just covered up.
- Files never uploaded
- Free, no sign-up
- Works on any device
- Works offline
Drop your file here
or drag and drop · One PDF file
Stays on your device — nothing is uploaded
How to redact PDF
Choose a PDF
Drop the PDF that contains private information.
Draw boxes
Drag over anything you want hidden, on any page.
Download
Save the redacted copy. Check it, then share that version.
About Redact PDF
Why simple black boxes aren’t enough
Drawing a black shape in a normal PDF editor only covers the text — anyone can still copy it from underneath. This tool rebuilds each redacted page as an image with the black boxes burned in, so the hidden text is gone from the file.
What to expect
Pages you redact become images, so their text is no longer selectable or searchable. Pages without redactions are left exactly as they were. Always open the downloaded file and check it before sharing.
Your files never leave your device
Most online PDF sites upload your documents to their servers. DocuVault doesn’t. Everything happens inside your browser, so there is nothing for anyone to see, store or leak.
Check it yourself
Use a tool once, then turn off your Wi-Fi or switch to airplane mode and use it again — it still works. Developers can watch the Network tab: no file is ever sent.
Step 1
You choose a file
Your browser opens it directly from your device — like opening it in an app.
Step 2
Your device does the work
The processing code runs inside this browser tab. No server ever receives your file.
Step 3
You save the result
The new file goes straight to your downloads. Close the tab and everything is gone.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone recover the text under the black boxes?
No. Redacted pages are re-created from an image with the boxes already applied, so the original text is not in the new file.
Why can’t I select text on redacted pages anymore?
That’s how permanent redaction works here — the page is flattened into an image. Run Scanned PDF OCR afterward if you need it searchable again.
Does it remove hidden metadata?
Yes. Document properties such as title, author and keywords are cleared in the redacted copy.