Permanent local redaction
Destroy sensitive PDF content—not just cover it
Draw black masks, burn them into page pixels, and rebuild a new PDF without the original text, image or content streams.
A post-export extraction assertion blocks the download if any selectable text remains.
User guide
How to use Secure PDF Redaction
Mark sensitive regions and export a flattened PDF in which the covered pixels are permanently replaced.
- 1
Upload a PDF and select the page to redact.
- 2
Draw rectangles over every sensitive region.
- 3
Review each page at high zoom for missed content.
- 4
Apply permanent redaction and download the flattened result.
Best for
- Removing account numbers
- Sharing contracts with confidential sections
Important limitation
Flattened redaction removes content visually at the pixel level, but you must also inspect annotations, attachments, metadata, and unmarked pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is drawing a black box enough?
No. This tool exports a flattened page so covered pixels are replaced rather than merely overlaid.
Should I keep the original?
Yes. Save the original securely because redaction is intentionally irreversible.
PDFPerch processes files locally unless this guide explicitly identifies a cloud-dependent feature. Always keep an original copy and verify critical output before submission, printing, signing, or accounting use.