PDF Redaction Tool

Scrubproof’s PDF redaction tool finds text and images in a PDF and removes them from the file, so the hidden content is gone rather than covered over. It runs free in your browser tab, with no account, no ads and no analytics. Nothing is uploaded.

You can redact one PDF by hand, drawing boxes over the parts you want removed, or search for words and patterns such as email addresses, card numbers and dates. Several PDFs can be redacted in one batch with the same search terms, with results returned as a ZIP file. Every result goes through an after-check that looks for the removed text in the new file before you download it.

How to use the Scrubproof redaction tool

1. Open your PDF. For a password-protected file, enter the password in the box that appears. It stays in the tab.
2. Type the words or phrases to remove in the Find box, one per line. Tick Match case, Whole words only or Regular expression if you need them.
3. Tick the pattern boxes you need, such as email addresses, phone numbers or dates. Under National ID numbers, tick the countries you need.
4. Review the match list. Each match shows a checkbox, its kind, its text and a page link. Untick any match you want to keep, or use Select all and Select none.
5. Drag on the page to draw extra boxes over pictures or other content. Click a box to remove it.
6. Pick a Method. Auto is recommended. You can also keep pages as they are or turn some or all pages into images.
7. Set the Image resolution (150, 200 or 300 dpi) and the Box colour (black or white). Tick Keep web links if you want them to stay.
8. Click Redact. A green “redacted and checked” card means the checks passed. If the card is red, read the failed lines and redact again.
9. Download the file.

For batch work, add several PDFs. The same words and patterns apply to every file, and you cannot draw boxes by hand in batch mode.

What does redaction remove from a PDF?

Redact removes the text under your boxes from the page content, not just the view of it. It also changes or deletes other hidden material, as shown below.

Two limits apply. A scan has no text, so draw a box over the picture. Vector art that only partly lies under a box cannot be cut, so Auto turns that page into an image and it loses selectable text.

What checks run after redaction?

Five checks run on the new file before the result card shows its verdict.

1. PDFium, a PDF reader, opens the new file and looks for each removed string.
2. pdf.js, a second and separate reader, runs the same search.
3. A raw scan covers every object, including compressed streams and hex-encoded strings.
4. A render test looks for text sitting under a flat black or page-coloured area.
5. A structure test confirms there are no leftover comments, attachments, properties, XMP packets, older versions or unused objects.

If any check fails, the card lists the failed lines and offers Download anyway (not verified) or Redact again with all pages as images.

Which patterns can the tool find?

Pattern boxes find common personal data formats. A pattern match shows that the format and any check digit fit. It does not show that the number belongs to a real person. Card numbers must pass a Luhn check, IBANs pass a mod-97 check, and national IDs such as Germany’s Steuer-ID or Spain’s DNI/NIE are flagged only when their check digit is correct. Phone numbers use a loose format, so some matches may be look-alikes, and you should review each one.

Frequently asked questions

What is PDF redaction?

PDF redaction removes selected text or images from a document so the content is gone from the file. Scrubproof’s Redact step takes text out of the page content and rewrites the pixels under your boxes, rather than placing a cover on top.

Can I undo a redaction?

The tool cannot restore content from a redacted file. The output is built as a new file without older saved versions, so keep your original PDF if you may need the full content again.

Is it free to redact a PDF?

Yes. The tool is free to use, with no account, no ads and no analytics.

Is my document secure during redaction?

Your file is not uploaded. The tool runs in your browser tab, and the page only allows requests to scrubproof.com. It also works offline after the first load, and no cookies are set.

How do I blur some information in a PDF?

A blur or a cover leaves the original letters in the file, so the content can often still be reached. For real removal, draw a solid box over the content with the tool and run Redact, which deletes the text under it.

Will the redacted content still exist in the file’s metadata?

The tool drops document properties, the XMP packet and thumbnails from the new file. The structure check then confirms that no leftover properties or XMP remain.

Can I redact a password-protected PDF?

Yes. A box asks for the password, and the password stays in the browser tab.

Related tools

• Redact PDF: use it to find and delete text in one PDF.
• Redact PDF on a Mac: use it for the steps on a Mac.
• PDF redaction software: use it to redact many files at once.
• Redact an image: use it to black out part of a photo or screenshot.
• Redaction check: use it to find text hidden under black boxes.
• Bates numbering: use it to number pages across files.
• Bates stamp: use it to add CONFIDENTIAL or DRAFT to pages.
• Bates numbering software: use it to number a whole production.
• Compare PDF: use it to see what changed between two versions.
• PDF comparison: use it to compare layout as a picture.