Draw black boxes or blur areas over the information to hide. Unlike a simple drawing, Helpdf flattens the redacted pages into images: the hidden text is really removed and cannot be copied or recovered.
How to redact a PDF
Select your file
Click the button or drag and drop your file into the box.
Choose your options
Adjust the settings if needed — the defaults work for most files.
Download the result
Your new file is created instantly in your browser. Click Download.
Frequently asked questions
Can the hidden text be recovered?
No. Redacted pages are rebuilt as images, so the text under the black boxes no longer exists in the file.
Are my files safe?
Yes. With Helpdf, your files stay on your device. They are never sent to our servers, nobody else can see them and nothing is stored.
Is Helpdf free?
Yes, every tool is completely free with no sign-up and no watermark. The site is funded by advertising.
Does it work on phone?
Yes. Helpdf works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux. Very large files may be slower on older phones.