Redact a PDF before sharing
Permanently redact sensitive areas, sanitize the document, then download the share-ready version.
What does this template do?
Permanently redact sensitive areas, sanitize the document, then download the share-ready version.
This template permanently hides areas of a PDF, such as a national insurance number or an IBAN, then removes metadata, scripts and attachments. Pages are rebuilt as images: under the black areas, no text remains to select or extract.
Pipeline steps
This template automatically chains 4 steps in the Workspace. You can review every setting before running it.
- 1Import a PDF
- 2Redact the PDF
- 3Sanitise the PDF
- 4Download the PDF
Why the steps come in this order
Redaction comes first, on the original document. Sanitising follows, because redaction does not touch the file properties: without this step, the title or author could still reveal information.
When should you use this template?
- Send a payslip with the social security number hidden.
- Publish an administrative document while hiding personal contact details.
- Send a bank statement leaving only the relevant lines visible.
Local processing in your browser
When the selected modules support local processing, your files stay on your device while the Pipeline runs.
Settings to check
- Areas: one per line, as “page, x, y, width, height” in percent of the page, measured from the top-left corner; for example “1,10,20,30,8”.
- Resolution: scale 1.6 by default, about 115 dpi.
- Sanitising: metadata, JavaScript and attachments removed by default.
Example
- Before
- One-page payslip, area “1,55,12,35,4” over the social security number.
- After
- One-page PDF with that area in black, no selectable text and no metadata.
Limits to know
- Every page becomes an image, even those without an area: the text can no longer be selected.
- Coordinates are typed by hand: to place areas visually, use the PDF redaction tool.
- Check the result before sending: a misplaced area leaves the information visible.