How to Redact PDF without Adobe (on Web, Desktop, and Mobile)

You don’t need Adobe Acrobat to remove sensitive information from a PDF. This guide shows you how to redact PDF without Adobe - offline, online, or on mobile securely and with ease using Xodo.

Redacting a PDF isn’t just about blacking out text. If done incorrectly, sensitive data can still be accessed, which is a serious risk for anyone handling personal, financial, or legal documents.

Adobe Acrobat is a popular software choice for redaction, but many users find it too complex or expensive for their needs. Fortunately, there’s a simpler and more affordable alternative.

Xodo offers secure, permanent redaction tools across web, desktop, and mobile platforms, making it easy to redact PDFs without the Adobe price tag.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Redact PDFs offline using Xodo PDF Studio (desktop PDF software)
• Redact a PDF online for free with Xodo Web (online tool)
• Redact PDFs on the go with Xodo Mobile (iOS and Android apps)
• Understand why permanent redaction is important
• Avoid common redaction mistakes
• Get answers to frequently asked questions

Let’s get started.

How to Redact a PDF on Windows, Mac, and Linux Without Adobe

You can redact a PDF offline on Windows, macOS, or Linux without using Adobe. Just follow these steps:

1. Download Xodo PDF Studio on your Windows, Mac or Linux.
2. Install and open the application.
3. Open your PDF file.
4. Click the Redact tool in the Document toolbar.
5. Select the text or areas you want to redact.
6. Click on a redacted area to adjust or delete it, if needed.
7. When you're ready, click Apply All Redactions to redact content.
8. Save your redacted document.

Xodo PDF Studio works fully offline, making it a secure option for redacting sensitive content in confidential PDF documents. This is especially useful in sectors with strict data privacy requirements, such as the legal or healthcare industries.

It also supports batch redaction, allowing you to remove sensitive information from multiple files at once. With its full set of editing tools and affordable pricing, Xodo PDF Studio is a practical alternative to Adobe Acrobat for professional use.

How to redact a PDF online for free without Adobe

Follow these simple steps to redact a PDF online without Adobe:

1. Go to Xodo's PDF redaction tool.
2. Upload your PDF file.
3. Mark text or pages you want to redact.
4. Click Redact All to permanently remove selected text.
5. Download your redacted PDF.

The online tool also lets you search and redact specific words or patterns such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers. Use the options in the right-side panel to refine your selection.

Xodo Web works directly in your browser, but files are processed on your device. Nothing is uploaded to external servers to ensure full data privacy.

You can redact one file per day for free. To unlock unlimited access and use over 30 tools for editing, converting, and organizing digital documents, you can start a free trial.

How to Redact a PDF on Mobile without Adobe Acrobat

You can redact a PDF on your iPhone or Android device without Adobe Acrobat. Here's how:

1. Download the Xodo app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Tap on Redact PDF in the Toolbox menu.
3. Open your PDF file.
4. Select the text or area to redact.
5. Tap on Apply to redact text.
6. Save your redacted PDF file.

Note: The screenshot shown is from an Android device, but the steps are the same on iOS.

PDF redaction is a Pro feature in the Xodo Mobile app. You can start a free trial or subscribe to unlock full access.

Along with redaction, the Xodo app lets you read, annotate, convert, compress, sign, and add password protection to documents, all directly from your phone.

What is Permanent PDF Redaction and Why it Matters

Permanent PDF redaction means the data is completely removed from the file, not just hidden.

Some free tools only place black boxes over text. However, the confidential data underneath can still be copied or extracted. This isn't true redaction.

Xodo's tools use Apryse technology to permanently redact sensitive information. Text removed from a redacted document can't be recovered, and the process can't be undone. This helps you meet legal requirements, protect privacy, and prevent data leaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Redacting a PDF

To ensure your PDF document is properly redacted, avoid these common mistakes:

• Only covering text with black rectangles.
• Forgetting to flatten redactions.
• Leaving metadata or hidden information and layers intact.
• Not double-checking redacted areas before they are permanently removed.
• Using PDF editors that don’t support permanent redaction.
• Failing to keep a copy of the original PDF file in case recovery is needed.

Answers to Common Questions

Can I redact a PDF for free without using Adobe Acrobat?

Yes, you can redact a PDF for free without Adobe Acrobat using Xodo's online PDF redaction tool.

Do I need an account to redact PDFs using Xodo Web's redaction tool?

No, you do not need an account for basic use. You can redact one PDF file per day for free without signing up.

Is online redaction with Xodo Web secure and private?

Yes, Xodo Web's redaction tool processes files locally in your browser. Your data is not uploaded to external servers, keeping your information secure and private.

Can I redact a PDF permanently so the information can’t be recovered?

Yes, you can permanently redact a PDF using Xodo tools on the web, desktop, or mobile.

All Xodo tools fully delete sensitive content rather than just hiding it, so the sensitive information cannot be recovered.

How can I redact PDF documents on my phone or tablet?

You can easily redact PDF documents on your phone or tablet using the Xodo app.

Download the app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, then use the redaction tool to remove sensitive content from your files while on the move.

Can I redact multiple PDF files at once with Xodo PDF Studio?

Yes, Xodo PDF Studio allows you to automate document redaction with its batch processor, allowing you to redact multiple PDFs at once instead of having to manually redact files one by one.

How does Xodo compare to Adobe Acrobat in terms of redaction features and cost?

Both Xodo and Adobe Acrobat offer advanced redaction features, but Xodo provides similar functionality at a significantly lower cost.

With the Xodo Document Suite, you get access to all Xodo tools across web, desktop, and mobile under one affordable subscription, making it a cost-effective alternative to Adobe.

Can I redact PDF documents in Docusign?

No, DocuSign does not support PDF redaction.

If you need a secure e-signature solution with built-in PDF redaction and editing, try Xodo Sign. It combines compliant document signing and redaction tools you can access from one single platform.

Can I redact sensitive PDF documents like bank statements?

Yes, you can securely redact sensitive documents such as bank statements to protect private information.

Follow this complete tutorial on how to redact a bank statement PDF using Xodo.

Securely Redact Confidential Information with Xodo Tools

Now you know how to redact a PDF without using Adobe Acrobat, no matter what device you're on.

Xodo gives you the tools to redact text securely, permanently, and at a low cost. Whether you're working online, offline, or from your phone, Xodo has everything you need.

Ready to get started? Choose the right tool for you:

• Xodo Web – Cloud-based redaction and PDF editing tools.
• Xodo PDF Studio – Desktop PDF editor with robust security features.
• Xodo Mobile – Redact PDFs on iOS and Android devices.
• Xodo Sign – Redact and e-sign documents in one unified platform.