Top 8 Free Redaction Software to Protect Sensitive Info
2024-04-18 11:56:27 • Filed to: Free PDF Tools • Proven solutions
Companies and even government agencies sometimes fail to do redaction properly, leading to confidential information being leaked. However, redaction can be a very easy task if you are using the right redaction software. Redaction software is a program used to permanently remove visible text and images containing sensitive information from a document. In this article, we'll list the top 8 PDF redaction software program plus 4 online free pdf redaction solutions that you can use to redact information within your PDF.
Choose the Best Redaction Tool - Protect Your Information
1. PDFelement [Available for Windows/Mac/Linux]
2. Intradyn [Most beneficial to handle bulk data ]
3. RapidRedact [Redacts PDFs and MS-Word Excel and Outlook files]
4. Adobe® Acrobat® Pro [Available for Windows/Mac]
5. PDFzorro.com [Web-based PDF editor]
6. PDFfiller.com [Online redaction software]
7. PDF Buddy [Powerful online PDF redation solution]
8. PDF Studio Pro [Available for Windows/Mac/Linux]
1. PDFelement
At the top of the list is Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor. PDF redaction is easy with this program since it allows you to permanently remove sensitive information that you do not want to be featured in your document. This software comes with professional tools that will allow you to edit, redact, combine, transform, and organize your PDF documents.
With this redaction software, you can easily redact any element of your PDF document. Some of the editing features include the ability to annotate, insert, replace, split and merge, add a digital signature, and much more. You can also add a password to your PDF document in order to prevent any unauthorized access. Or you can convert your PDF to other popular file formats such as Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Images, HTML EPUB, Images (GIF, BMP, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG), and more.
Review for Wondershare PDFelement
2. Intradyn
Intradyn is an email archiving company that stores several years of emails and makes files or emails unalterable. They protect sensitive information by using redaction methods while allowing access to its users. Redacting files is a service they offer and though it is available to everyone, including small accounts, it is most beneficial to those with bulk data that needs a lot of protection. Think of it as a virtual filing cabinet that stores files and emails with high-security features.
Review for Intradyn
3. RapidRedact
RapidRedact is a program designed specifically to redact documents. It not only redacts PDFs but also MS-Word documents, Excel and Outlook files as well. As you redact files, you'll have real-time view of the redaction process.
It is a user-friendly software that allows you to OCR scanned files and images before redacting them. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 that are 32 and 64 bit.
Review for RapidRedact
4. Adobe Acrobat
If you are looking for a program that lets you redact, create, sign, and share PDF files quickly and easily, then Adobe Acrobat Pro is a great choice for you. This program helps you blackout text and images in a PDF to hide sensitive information.
In addition to redaction, it allows you to create PDF files from scratch and convert PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. You can also access all documents that you had synced from any device. The program is available for both Mac OS X and Windows.
Unfortunately, support for Acrobat XI has ended, which could lead to security issues with your files and data, due to a lack of security updates. Find out the best alternatives to Adobe Acrobat here.
Review for Adobe Acrobat
5. PDFzorro.com
PDFzorror.com is a web-based PDF editor that you can use to redact your PDF. Remove any sensitive information from your document with this free online PDF redacting program. It is fast, easy and free to use. It also allows you to fill forms, highlight text, white-out, and even adds a personal signature. Once you've finished editing your file, you can delete your PDF files from the cloud. The file cannot be retrieved, so your information is secure.
Review for PDFzorro
6. PDFfiller.com
PDFfiller is another brilliant online redaction software that lets you PDF upload your PDF document and edit it completely. You can also use it to redact your PDF documents, add a signature, and share your PDF files. This website also supports other document formats like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Plain Texts, and Rich Text.
Review for PDFfiller
7. PDF Buddy
If there is any private and confidential information that you wish to remove, PDF Buddy will allow you to easily redact it from your PDF file. It is recognized as one of the most powerful PDF redaction tools as well as editors. You can also add text, signatures, annotations, and images to your PDF document. If you wish to share any PDF, this site allows you to create shareable links that allow recipients to easily fill the forms.
Review for PDF Buddy
8. PDF Studio Pro
PDF Studio Pro is built with the redaction feature. It can redact images, text, and shapes. This software also allows you to edit text and images within your PDF file. You can crop, rotate, or resize images and objects. PDF Studio Pro also lets you add security to your PDF files and lets you create, convert, and fill out PDF forms.
Review for PDF Studio
Redact PDF Online Free [4 Solutions]
Redacting or removing sensitive information from your PDF files is a wise decision. Not everyone takes it into account, but it is highly advisable to take precautionary measures when working with your personal information since, in the wrong hands, it could generate all kinds of problems. PDF files have a complex structure that makes removing this type of data easy. There are many ways to do this with free online tools. Next, I will show you how to redact your PDFs with some online tools.
Solution 1. Pdf-editor-online.com
Solution 2. PDF.online
Solution 3. freepdfredactor.com
Solution 4. avepdf.com
Solution 1. Pdf-editor-online.com
Step 1: Upload your PDF
Before going further, remember that this service is free, but you must register to download your edited documents. If you are okay with this, go to the official website of PDF Editor online.com. Now, go to the "Upload Document" section and click on the "Browse for Document on Your Computer" button.
Step 2: Use the Blackout tool
When PDF Editor Online.com has finished processing your PDF, you will see the application's editing options. Now click on the "Blackout" button on the top panel and select the document area you need to cover. When you're done, click on "Done."
Step 3: Download your file
To finish, select your PDF in the list of "Recent Documents" and click on the "Download" button found in the right panel.
Solution 2. PDF.online
Step 1: Upload your PDF
Go to the official website of PDF.online. Once there, drag and drop your document inside the window or click on "Local device" and set the source path.
Step 2: Redact your PDF
When PDF.online finishes processing your document, you will see the editing options. All you have to do is select the areas you want to hide. Click on "Apply redactions" and download your document when you finish.
Solution 3. freepdfredactor.com
Step 1: Upload your file
Before starting, keep in mind that FreePDFRedactor offers different service tiers.
The free access tier will be more than enough to redact your documents, but you will have a 30-minute time limit to use the service for free. If you have no problem with this, go to the PDFRedactor website. Once there, drag and drop your document inside the box.
Step 2: Redact your PDF
When PDFRedactor finishes processing your document, you will see the editing options. Select the area you want to cover, and when you're done, click "Next" and download your document.
Solution 4. avepdf.com
Step 1: Upload your file
First, visit the official AvePDF website and choose the "Redact PDF" option. Now, drag and drop your document inside the box.
Step 2: Redact PDF
When your document is ready, you will see the editing options. To cover an area of the document, click on "Add redaction marks" and select the area of text you want to hide. Click the "Save" button and download your document when you're done.
Conclusion
Nowadays, it is common to transfer PDF documents with sensitive information, which is not bad. Still, it is necessary to remember that it is a digital document. Digital documents are easily replicable, compromising the information if preventive measures are not taken. Fortunately, thanks to all these services, just a couple of clicks are enough to keep your information safe.
Limitation to Redact PDF Online Free
It's important to keep in mind that free and online PDF redacting software tools do have some limitations. One disadvantage of online and free redaction tools is that there is limited space available. Most of these tools provide very little space for uploading your files. The tools also lack a number of important and advanced PDF features that other premium tools contain. This means that you can't access some of the features that you might want to use while editing your file. And that's everything you need to know if you want to redact PDF online.
Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!
Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!
Buy PDFelement right now!
Buy PDFelement right now!
Elise Williams
chief Editor