How to Blackout a Section in a PDF File

A PDF is one of the most shareable types of documents online—it's quick, secure, and easy to open and read. Sometimes, however, you have sensitive information within a document that you don't want to share with everyone. There are many instances when you may need to black out or redact information in a PDF document. Perhaps your business file contains confidential data you're not yet ready to share with other team members, or a document has too much personal information, such as your email address, physical address, phone number, SSN, or even credit card information. In such cases, using proper redaction tools is essential to protect your sensitive data.

Methods to Blackout a Section in a PDF File

Here are some common methods to blackout or redact a section in a PDF file:

Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (Paid Version)

Step 1: Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Step 2: Go to the Tools menu and select Redact. Step 3: Click on Mark for Redaction and select the area you want to blackout. Step 4: After marking, click on Apply Redactions. Step 5: Save the PDF.

Using PDF Editing Software (e.g., Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro PDF)

Step 1: Open the PDF in your PDF editor. Step 2: Look for a Redaction or Drawing tool. Step 3: Use the tool to draw a black rectangle over the section you want to blackout. Step 4: Save the changes.

Using Online PDF Redaction Tools (e.g., PDFescape, Sejda)

Step 1: Go to an online PDF redaction tool such as PDFescape or Sejda. Step 2: Upload your PDF file. Step 3: Use the redaction or drawing tool to blackout the desired area. Step 4: Download the edited PDF.

Using Microsoft Word (if the PDF is simple)

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word and go to File Open. Step 2: Select the PDF file. Word will convert it. Step 3: Use the Shapes tool to draw a black rectangle over the text. Step 4: Save the document back as a PDF.

Using Preview on macOS

Step 1: Open the PDF in Preview. Step 2: Select the Markup toolbar if not visible. Enable it from the View menu. Step 3: Use the Rectangle tool to draw a black box over the text. Step 4: Save the PDF.

Important Notes

When blacking out text, ensure that the original text is not recoverable. Using proper redaction tools is essential to prevent the underlying text from being revealed later. Always save a copy of the original PDF in its unredacted form before making changes.

By using these methods, you can effectively secure your sensitive information within a PDF file, ensuring that only designated individuals have access to the necessary details.