Redact PDF (Overlay)
Cover the top, middle or bottom band of chosen pages — or a whole page — with an opaque black box, and flatten form fields into the page. An overlay: read the limits before relying on it.
About this tool
Sometimes you need a page area hidden before a file is shown or printed: an address block, a signature zone, a whole page. This tool draws an opaque black box over the band you choose and flattens form fields so their values cannot paint over the cover.
It is honest about being an overlay, not true redaction: embedded text under a partially covered page may still exist in the file. For legally sensitive material, remove the content at the source and re-export — the tool page says this in plain language, twice.
How to use Redact PDF (Overlay)
- Choose up to 20 PDF files (20 MB each).
- Pick the pages (blank = all) and which band to cover: top, middle, bottom or the full page.
- Download and inspect every covered page before sharing.
Keep the original files and inspect the exported result before publishing or sharing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is this true redaction?
No — this is a visual overlay. The black box hides the area on screen and in print, and form fields are flattened so they cannot re-render over it, but embedded text underneath a partially covered page can still exist in the file. For legally sensitive content, remove the text at the source and re-export.
What does "full page" cover?
The entire page is blacked out. The page still exists (so page counts and numbering survive), but nothing on it is visible.
Why flatten form fields?
A filled form field draws its value above page content, which would paint the answer over the black box. Flattening bakes values into the page first so the box covers them too.
Are encrypted PDFs supported?
No. Encrypted or password-protected PDFs are rejected. Export an unlocked copy first.
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