pdfCraft

Redact PDF Online Free — Remove Sensitive Information

Permanently remove sensitive information from any PDF

Local + cloudCore work runs in your browser. Export and optional cloud features use our servers.

✓ Free: Manual redaction⭐ Pro: AI auto-detects PII

⚠️ Redaction is permanent and cannot be undone

Download the redacted PDF and keep the original if you may need the content later.

Drop your PDF here

or click to browse

Max 50.0 MB per file

How to redact a PDF

Step 1
Upload your PDF
Drop the document with sensitive content.
Step 2
Mark content
Draw boxes manually or review AI-detected PII (Pro).
Step 3
Apply & download
Permanently remove marked content from the file.

What is PDF redaction?

PDF redaction is the process of permanently removing sensitive information from a document so it can be shared safely. Unlike highlighting or drawing a shape over text, true redaction takes the content out of the file, so it can't be revealed by selecting, copying or searching the PDF.

With pdfCraft you mark the areas to remove, either by drawing boxes yourself or by reviewing AI-detected personal information (Pro), then apply the redactions and download a new copy. Your original file is left untouched on your device.

Why redact a PDF?

Redact a PDF any time a document has to be shared but part of it must stay private. Common reasons include:

Removing names, addresses, phone numbers and ID numbers before sharing contracts, CVs or case files.

Hiding bank account and card details on statements and invoices.

Preparing documents for FOIA, GDPR or legal disclosure requests.

Protecting patient and medical information.

Sharing reports or evidence without exposing third-party data.

Popular uses

Black out names, account numbers, and addresses
Prepare documents for FOIA or GDPR requests
AI detects 13 categories of PII (Pro)

Frequently asked questions

Is PDF redaction permanent?

Yes. Each redacted page is converted into a flat image with the black boxes burned into the pixels, so the text underneath is gone from the file. It can't be selected, copied or extracted. Pages you don't redact keep their selectable text. Keep your original file if you may need it later, because a redaction can't be undone in the downloaded copy.

What information can I redact?

Names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, ID numbers, financial data and more. Draw a box over anything you want removed, or use AI detection (Pro) to find personal information automatically.

Is it free to redact a PDF?

Yes. Manual redaction is free with no account needed, within the free limits: 50 MB per file, up to 50 pages and 10 exports per day. AI-powered redaction is available on the Pro plan.

Does pdfCraft store my redacted files?

No. Redaction happens in your browser, so your original PDF is never uploaded for manual redaction. Only the finished redacted copy is sent over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection so we can check your plan limits, and it is deleted after you download it. If you use AI detection (Pro), the text of your document is sent to our AI provider to find sensitive information. pdfCraft does not keep or share your documents.

Can I redact multiple pages?

Yes. You can redact as many areas as you need across every page of a PDF. Free accounts support up to 50 pages per document; Pro has no page limit.

Do I need to create an account?

No account is required to redact a PDF with the manual tool. Upload, mark the content, and download.

Does it work on mobile and Mac?

Yes. pdfCraft runs in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. No app install required.

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Privacy-first · Core tools need no signup · Works on any device