Redact PDF: how it works
To redact a PDF, open the Redact PDF tool, add your file, draw boxes over the text or images you want removed, and download. PDFER paints out and destroys the underlying content in your browser so it cannot be recovered — and the file is never uploaded.
How to use Redact PDF
- Open the Redact PDF tool and add your PDF.
- Draw redaction boxes over sensitive text or images.
- Apply and download the redacted PDF.
In your browser vs. uploading to a server
Best for permanently removing confidential data before sharing. Unlike simply drawing a black rectangle, true redaction destroys the pixels beneath so the hidden content can't be copied back out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I permanently redact text in a PDF?
- Open the Redact PDF tool, draw boxes over the sensitive content, and apply; PDFER removes the underlying data (not just covers it) in your browser so it can't be recovered.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
- No. PDFER runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript. Your files are read into memory on your device, processed locally, and never sent to PDFER or any third party. Closing the tab or leaving the tool erases them from memory.
PDFER is a privacy-first PDF toolkit built by Kiril Urbonas. Every tool runs entirely in your browser — see our security model and privacy policy.