Redact PDFs for Real

InkOut permanently removes text from PDFs in your browser. Draw boxes or search for words, export, and an automatic check confirms nothing can be extracted from the redacted areas. Unlike a plain black box, the content underneath is deleted. Files up to 5 pages are free, and nothing is uploaded.

A black box drawn in most PDF editors only covers the text. Anyone can still copy it out. This tool deletes the content under every box, then checks the exported file to prove nothing can be extracted. Your unredacted document never leaves your device.

FreeNever uploadedVerified removal

How it works

  1. 1

    Open your PDF.

  2. 2

    Draw boxes or search for words to redact.

  3. 3

    Export.

  4. 4

    Review the automatic check result.

How we verify

After you apply redactions, the exported file is re-opened independently and tested. These are the exact checks we run. If any fails, you'll see “Review needed” and download is disabled.

Truly removed

Verified: no hidden text under redactions · 4 pages · 12 redactions

  • Output re-opened with pdf.js

    Exported file parsed independently (4 pages)

  • Text layer removed

    No extractable text on 2 redacted page(s)

  • Search test passed

    0 matches for 12 redacted text fragment(s) in the output file

  • Metadata stripped

    Title, author, subject, keywords, creator, producer and XMP are empty

  • No hidden content

    No annotations, form fields, attachments or JavaScript

ℹ️ Redacted pages are flattened to images for safety. Text on those pages won't be selectable.

contract_redacted.pdf

1.8 MB → 1.2 MB · 🔒 Processed locally. Nothing was uploaded.

Redaction guides

Black Out Text in a PDF, PermanentlyBlack out text in a PDF so it's actually gone, not just covered. Draw a box, export, and get an automatic check. Free, no upload.Redact a Bank Statement PDFHide account numbers, balances and transactions before you send a bank statement to a landlord or visa office. True redaction, done in your browser.Redact Medical Records PrivatelyRemove diagnoses, ID numbers and other health details from medical PDFs without uploading them anywhere. True redaction with an automatic check.Redact a PDF on Mac Without AdobePreview's black rectangles don't reliably remove text. Redact a PDF on Mac for real in Safari or Chrome, free and without Adobe Acrobat.Check if a PDF is properly redacted (free)Find text hiding under black boxes in a PDF someone else redacted.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn't a black box enough?

The text stays in the file and can be selected or copied.

How do I know it worked?

After export, we try to extract text from every redacted area and show you the result.

Is it free?

Files up to 5 pages with manual boxes are free. Unlimited pages, keyword redaction and multiple files: $4.99 for 24 hours or $7.99/month.

Is my file uploaded?

No. It stays on your device.