Redact a PDF online — without uploading it
DocsArc redacts PDFs entirely inside your browser. You draw boxes over the names, addresses, account numbers or clauses you need gone, and DocsArc removes the underlying text and image data — not just covers it with a black rectangle you can copy out later.
Because everything happens on your own computer, the document you are redacting is never uploaded to a server. That matters: a redaction tool is exactly the kind of thing you should not be sending confidential files to a stranger’s cloud to use.
Try it now — free
Runs on your device. Your file is never uploaded.
Why use DocsArc for this
The text is actually removed
DocsArc deletes the content beneath each mark, so redacted text cannot be selected, searched or recovered from the exported file.
Nothing is uploaded
The PDF stays on your device from open to export. There is no server copy to leak, cache or subpoena.
Redact by search
Find every occurrence of a name or number and redact them all at once, instead of hunting page by page.
How to redact pdf online with DocsArc
- 1Open your PDF in DocsArc — it loads instantly, straight from your computer.
- 2Drag a redaction box over any text or image, or search for a word to mark every match.
- 3Apply the redaction. DocsArc strips out the underlying content, not just the pixels on top.
- 4Export the clean copy. The original never left your machine.
Frequently asked questions
Is the redacted text really gone, or just hidden?
Really gone. DocsArc removes the underlying text and image data within each redaction area before export, so it cannot be copied, searched or recovered from the saved file — unlike drawing a black box, which leaves the text selectable underneath.
Do I have to upload my PDF to redact it?
No. Redaction runs entirely in your browser on your own device. The file is never sent to DocsArc or any server, which is exactly what you want for sensitive documents.
Can I redact several names or numbers at once?
Yes. Search for a term and DocsArc marks every occurrence across the document so you can redact them in one step.
Is redacting a PDF free?
You can try redaction on the free trial. After that, DocsArc is $4.99/month or $39.99/year for the full tool set.