Black out text in a PDF so it is really gone
Drawing a black rectangle over a PDF only hides the words on screen; anyone can still copy them out of the file. LanaPDF's Redaction tool deletes the words under the box when you save. You can also remove text without a black bar. It runs in your browser, and the file is not uploaded.
How to black out text in a PDF
- Open lana-pdf.com/app and drop the PDF in.
- Choose the Redaction tool in the Tools menu (shortcut D).
- Drag a box over each thing to hide: names, account numbers, addresses, signatures. Draw as many boxes as you need, on any page.
- Save. Each page with a redaction is rebuilt without the covered words. Everything else on the page stays selectable.
- Check the saved file. Open it, press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on a Mac) and search for a word you blacked out. It should not be found.
Remove text without a black bar
Sometimes the words should just disappear, with no black mark left behind. Choose the Solid Rectangle tool, set its color to the page's background (usually white) and drag it over the text. At full opacity, which is the default, the words under it are deleted from the saved file in the same way as a redaction.
To replace a word instead of removing it, use the Text tool and retype the line; see changing text in a PDF.
Why a black box is not enough
A PDF keeps its text and its drawings in separate layers. A rectangle from a comment or markup tool, a black highlighter, or a shape in Preview is drawn on top of the text, and the text is still in the file. Select it, copy it, or search for it, and it comes back. This is how most redaction leaks happen; see why redacted text is still visible.
| Black shape or highlighter | LanaPDF Redaction | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks blacked out | Yes | Yes |
| Covered words still in the file | Yes, can be copied or searched | No, deleted on save |
| Scanned pages | Pixels underneath remain | Covered pixels and recognized words removed |
| Rest of the page | Unchanged | Stays selectable |
Documents people black out
Bank statements
Account numbers and transactions before sending to a landlord or lender. See redacting a bank statement.
Account numbers
Card, account and routing numbers on any document. See removing account numbers.
Tax and pay forms
Social Security numbers and salaries on W-2s and pay stubs. See redacting a W-2.
Whole documents
To leave no selectable text at all, tick Force rasterize in the Save dialog.
FAQ
How do I black out text in a PDF?
Open the PDF at lana-pdf.com/app, choose the Redaction tool and drag a box over each piece of text. When you save, the words under the boxes are deleted from the file, not just covered.
How do I permanently remove text from a PDF?
Use the Redaction tool for a black bar, or the Solid Rectangle tool in the page's background color for no visible mark. At full opacity both delete the covered words from the saved PDF.
Can I black out text in a PDF for free?
Editing is free and needs no account. Your first export, meaning the first download, print or Google Drive save, is free too, with no account and no card, and carries a small LanaPDF footer. After that, and for exports without the footer, a 7-day pass is $4 and does not renew, or membership is $6 a month.
Why can I still copy text I blacked out?
The black box was drawn on top of the text, so the text stayed in the file. Redact it instead: LanaPDF's Redaction tool removes the words under the box when you save.
Is my PDF uploaded when I redact it?
No. The PDF is opened, redacted and saved inside your browser. It is not sent to our servers.