CourtPDF

How to redact a PDF safely (burn in every redaction)

Leaving text layers or annotations under a black rectangle is the fastest way to leak private information. This guide shows how CourtPDF's Safe PDF Redactor rasterizes every page so the content behind your box is destroyed—not merely hidden.

Before and after: what safe redaction looks like

A simple overlay is reversible. Rasterization bakes your edits into the pixels so the original text cannot return. Compare the before and after below.

PDF page with sensitive text highlighted before redaction
Before: an overlay still exposes the text underneath.
Rasterized PDF page with burnt-in redaction box
After: rasterized output burns the redaction into the bitmap.

Step-by-step workflow

  1. Open the Safe PDF Redactor in any modern browser. The tool works offline and never uploads your file.
  2. Drop in your PDF or load a sample to practice.
  3. Choose Draw redactions, drag boxes over sensitive data, and optionally add labels such asREDACTED or SEALED.
  4. Select a DPI (150, 200, or 300) and decide between lossless PNG or compact JPEG output.
  5. Click Apply Redactions (Safe) to rebuild the PDF from bitmaps with the boxes burned in.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Overlay-only redactions: Many editors just draw a rectangle. Download that PDF, copy/paste the selection, and the hidden text appears. Rasterization prevents this by removing the text layer entirely.
  • Forgotten metadata: PDFs can store comments, attachments, and hidden layers. CourtPDF's raster workflow discards those extras when it rebuilds the document.
  • Accidental uploads: Desktop apps often sync to the cloud. CourtPDF runs in the browser, so files never leave your device.

Related tools

  • Need a text-only workflow? Try the Text Redactor to mask phone numbers, emails, and custom patterns before exporting a PDF.
  • After redacting, stamp everything with sequential numbers using the Bates Stamper.
  • Organize sealed exhibits and public copies with the Court Bundle Maker.

FAQ

Is raster redaction really permanent?

Yes. The process renders each page to an image, draws the box into the pixels, and exports a new PDF with nothing but those bitmaps. There are no layers to remove and no text to copy.

What about file size and quality?

Raster files are larger and non-searchable. Choose 150 dpi for email, 200 dpi for a balance, or 300 dpi when the court requires crisp printouts. PNG keeps edges sharp; JPEG is lighter.

Legal & privacy considerations

CourtPDF runs entirely in your browser. Because nothing uploads, there's no third-party storage to subpoena or breach. Still, review local court rules to confirm raster redactions meet filing requirements.

Ready to try it?

Launch the Safe PDF Redactor, draw your boxes, and export a copy that cannot leak hidden layers. Finish your packet by stamping it with the Bates Stamper or bundling exhibits via the Court Bundle Maker.