Redaction & privacy

Remove sensitive information for real — and prove it is gone.

How to Redact a Scanned PDF DocumentRedact a scanned PDF so the hidden words are gone from the image, not just covered. Run OCR, find every copy, redact, and test the saved file.
How to Black Out a Social Security Number in a PDFHide a Social Security number in a PDF so it is truly gone, not just covered. Find every copy, redact it, and verify the saved file, free on Windows.
Does Drawing a Black Box Redact a PDFNo — drawing a black box only covers text. Here is why boxes, highlights and whiteout fail, and what real PDF redaction does differently.
How to Check if a PDF Redaction Is SecureTest whether a redacted PDF really hides the text: search, copy, inspect metadata and more. A simple checklist before you share a file.
How to Permanently Remove Text From a PDFDeleting or covering text in a PDF often leaves it in the file. Learn how to remove text permanently so it cannot be recovered, free on Windows.
How to Redact a PDF for Free on WindowsRedact a PDF for free on Windows with a tool that truly removes the text. Offline, no account, no watermark — step by step with Gold PDF.
How to Redact a PDF So It Cannot Be UndoneA black box is not redaction. Learn how to redact a PDF so the hidden text is truly removed from the file, step by step, free on Windows.
How to Remove Metadata From a PDF Before SharingPDFs carry hidden author, title and software details. Learn how to remove PDF metadata before you share a file, free on Windows with Gold PDF.

Gold PDF — the free PDF editor for Windows

Edit text, redact for real, OCR scans, fill forms, sign and protect. Offline, no account, no watermark.