What does Redact PDF do?
Redact PDF makes a PDF copy whose pages are images, while leaving visible content in place. Names and numbers are not hidden by this command, so it is unsuitable for secure redaction. Use it only when an image-based rendering copy is the intended result.
The current Redact PDF task renders every page as an image and rebuilds a PDF. It does not let you choose sensitive regions and does not place opaque redaction marks over text or pictures.
Use the page only if you need an image-based copy and understand that private information remains visible. For actual redaction, use a tool that removes the chosen content for good and then check the published result with a separate tool.
This page name can suggest a privacy feature that the current command does not provide. No box can be drawn over a secret here.
Names and account numbers stay in the rendered image. Do not use the output as a cleared public copy. A safe redaction needs a separate removal and inspection workflow.
Make an image-based PDF copy online: steps
Before using Redact PDF, decide whether an image-based page copy is the result you need. Check the source for visible names, numbers and other sensitive content before you upload it. This form has no region selector or secure removal step.
Choose the source
Use a non-sensitive sample when testing page rendering. For Redact PDF, choose one source from your device. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
The Redact PDF form has no extra task settings. Check the source in the file area.
Run the file task
Use Process Redact PDF after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Check the visible output and check that the task has not been confused with information removal. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Rasterize PDF: uses for Redact PDF
Redact PDF can help with files tested in a viewer that displays page images. It can also be used for non-sensitive examples prepared to demonstrate rasterization. The PDF result from Redact PDF must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- Image-based copies made for a rendering check.
- Files tested in a viewer that displays page images.
- Non-sensitive examples prepared to demonstrate rasterization.
- Page look checked before an offline redaction workflow.
Formats and limits for Redact PDF
The Redact PDF form accepts PDF sources. Each Redact PDF upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the Redact PDF page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
This tool does not perform secure redaction. Rasterizing visible secrets keeps those secrets visible, and an image-based output can still be processed with OCR.
Practical checks for Redact PDF
The output is a page-image copy. It leaves visible secrets in those images. Use a separate secure redaction tool to remove sensitive content.
A name still printed on a page remains readable. OCR can read words from a page image. Changing the page representation does not make those words private.
How this tool works
Redact PDF uses ImageMagick and Poppler to handle the source on the server. The Redact PDF request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by Redact PDF before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For Redact PDF, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
Redact PDF questions and answers
If Redact PDF gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from Redact PDF as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare Redact PDF with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using Redact PDF?
Inspect the source for secrets before making an image copy. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try PDF to PNG?
PDF to PNG offers another task beside Redact PDF: convert all PDF pages to PNG images (zipped). PDF to PNG returns ZIP. The stated PDF output from Redact PDF matches a listed input type for PDF to PNG.
Why try OCR PDF?
OCR PDF offers another task beside Redact PDF: make a scanned PDF searchable using Tesseract OCR. OCR PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Redact PDF matches a listed input type for OCR PDF.
Why try Remove PDF Pages?
Remove PDF Pages offers another task beside Redact PDF: keep only specified pages, removing the rest. Remove PDF Pages returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Redact PDF matches a listed input type for Remove PDF Pages.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed Redact PDF result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with Redact PDF?
Contact support with the Redact PDF page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.