Why is a black rectangle not enough?

Because it only covers the text visually. The characters remain embedded in the PDF: selecting the area, copying it or removing the shape reveals them. Real redaction deletes the content itself, which is exactly what the secure redaction tool does on export.

How do I check that the redaction worked?

Open the exported PDF, try to select the redacted area, copy it into a text editor and use the search function on the hidden words. If nothing appears, the text is gone from the file.

What is the difference with the whiteout tool?

Whiteout is a visual cleanup tool for covering areas with white. For confidentiality, always use secure redaction: it is the tool that permanently destroys the covered content on export.

Are there limits to be aware of?

Yes, two honest ones. The redacted page is flattened to an image, so the remaining text on that page is no longer selectable or searchable. And redaction does not clean the file name or document metadata: check those separately before sharing.

Is redaction reversible?

No. Once exported, the removed text cannot be recovered from the file. Keep the original document in a safe place if you need the full version.

Is the document uploaded during redaction?

No. Rendering, masking and flattening are processed locally in the browser, which is precisely what you want for a document sensitive enough to be redacted.

Redact a PDF: permanently remove text

“Secure redact” tool selected in the Editoc PDF editor, with the note that redaction is irreversible

1. Open the PDF in the Editoc editor and select the secure redaction tool.

Payslip in Editoc with two areas redacted in black: the social security number and the net pay amount

2. Draw a box over every piece of text or data to remove: names, amounts, identifiers, addresses.

Downloading the redacted PDF in Editoc: the masked text is permanently removed from the file

3. Export the PDF, then verify: try to select or search the hidden text. Nothing comes back.

The tool in pictures, step by step