How do I black out text in a PDF?

Open the PDF, draw over the words you want hidden, and download the copy. The text underneath is deleted, so a black box is not all that is protecting it.

Can I redact a scanned PDF?

Yes. A scan has no text layer, so DailyDone reads the page to find the words first, then removes them. That step uses a secure upload and is a paid feature; digital PDFs never leave your browser.

How do I permanently remove text from a PDF?

Draw over the names, IDs or numbers you want to hide, and DailyDone gives you a copy with the text truly deleted, not just covered with a black box.

Is the redaction really permanent?

Yes. On digital PDFs the underlying text is removed, so it cannot be copied or recovered from the file, unlike a black highlight that only hides it on screen.

Is redacting a PDF private?

Digital PDFs are redacted right in your browser with no upload. Scanned PDFs use a secure upload to find the text, then the file is deleted right after (a paid feature).

Redact PDF

Runs on your device

Black out text in a PDF so it cannot be copied back out. Draw over names, ID numbers, phone numbers or account details and download a copy with the text permanently removed, not just covered by a black box. Digital PDFs are redacted in your browser; scanned PDFs use a secure upload to find the text (a paid feature).

PrivateNo uploadFree

Choose a PDF fileDrag & drop or browsePDF files · up to 200 MBProcessed on your device. Nothing is uploaded.

Prefer to work offline? Get DailyDone PDF for desktop. Everyday tools run on your computer, so those files stay on your device.

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How it works

01Open your PDF. Digital PDFs stay in your browser.
02Draw over the names, IDs or numbers you want to hide.
03Download a copy with the text truly gone, not just covered.

Best for

Blacking out names and addresses before sharing a document.
Removing account, ID or phone numbers from a bank statement.
Hiding salary or pricing lines in a contract you have to send on.
Preparing a file for public, legal or FOI release.

Frequently asked questions

How do I black out text in a PDF?: Open the PDF, draw over the words you want hidden, and download the copy. The text underneath is deleted, so a black box is not all that is protecting it.
Can I redact a scanned PDF?: Yes. A scan has no text layer, so DailyDone reads the page to find the words first, then removes them. That step uses a secure upload and is a paid feature; digital PDFs never leave your browser.
How do I permanently remove text from a PDF?: Draw over the names, IDs or numbers you want to hide, and DailyDone gives you a copy with the text truly deleted, not just covered with a black box.
Is the redaction really permanent?: Yes. On digital PDFs the underlying text is removed, so it cannot be copied or recovered from the file, unlike a black highlight that only hides it on screen.
Is redacting a PDF private?: Digital PDFs are redacted right in your browser with no upload. Scanned PDFs use a secure upload to find the text, then the file is deleted right after (a paid feature).

Guides

How to black out text in a PDF so it cannot be copied backPermanently black out account numbers, ID numbers and personal details in a PDF before you share it, so the hidden text cannot be copied back out.How to remove hidden data from a PDF before sharingPDFs carry hidden metadata like author name, software and timestamps. Strip it before you send a document so you are not sharing more than you intend.

How it works

Best for

Frequently asked questions

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