Best Free PDF Redaction Tools in 2026
You need to redact a PDF but you do not want to pay $240/year for Adobe Acrobat Pro. Fair enough. There are several free tools that can permanently redact sensitive information from PDFs — but they vary significantly in quality, features, and security.
We tested six free PDF redaction tools to help you find the right one. Here is what we found.
What to Look For in a Redaction Tool
Before comparing tools, it helps to know what separates a good redaction tool from a bad one.
Permanent Redaction
The tool must truly remove text from the document — not just draw a black box over it. Visual-only "redaction" leaves the text extractable underneath. Every tool on this list performs permanent redaction, but if you are evaluating a tool not listed here, verify this.
AI or Automated Detection
The biggest time saver in redaction. AI-powered tools automatically detect sensitive data types — SSNs, credit card numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers — so you do not have to hunt for them manually. Only one free tool currently offers this.
OCR Support
If you need to redact scanned PDFs (documents that were scanned from paper), the tool needs Optical Character Recognition to read the text in the image. Without OCR, scanned documents are treated as images, and text within them cannot be selectively redacted.
Security and Privacy
When you upload a document to an online tool, it is transmitted to that company's servers. For sensitive documents, you need to trust that the tool encrypts your data, does not store your files, and has proper security certifications.
Batch Processing
If you have multiple documents to redact, processing them one at a time is tedious. Batch processing lets you apply redaction to multiple files in a single workflow.
Tool 1: AI-Redact Free Tier
Website: ai-redact.com Type: Browser-based Free limit: 5 documents per month Platforms: Any (browser)
Overview
AI-Redact is the only free tool on this list that includes AI-powered detection of sensitive data. The free tier gives you 5 documents per month with the same AI detection available to paid users.
Features
- AI auto-detection: Detects 40+ types of sensitive data (SSNs, credit cards, names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, medical record numbers, and more)
- OCR included: Reads text from scanned PDFs
- Permanent redaction: Text is removed from the document structure
- Review interface: See all detections, add or remove items before applying
- Metadata scrubbing: Removes document metadata as part of the process
Pros
- AI detection is a massive time saver — you review instead of hunting
- Works on scanned documents out of the box
- Clean, simple interface with minimal learning curve
- SOC 2 Type II certified
- HIPAA compliant (BAA available on Pro)
- Zero data retention — files are deleted after processing
Cons
- Free tier limited to 5 documents per month
- Pro plan ($29/month) needed for batch processing and unlimited documents
- Requires internet connection (browser-based)
Best For
Anyone who wants the fastest, most accurate free redaction experience. The AI detection alone puts it ahead of every other free option for people who value their time or cannot afford to miss sensitive data.
Tool 2: Mac Preview
Type: Desktop application (built into macOS) Free limit: Unlimited Platforms: Mac only
Overview
Every Mac comes with Preview, which includes a basic but functional redaction tool. It is completely free, requires no downloads, and performs permanent redaction.
Features
- Manual text selection: Click and drag over text to mark for redaction
- Permanent redaction: Applied when you save the file
- No document limits: Redact as many documents as you want
Pros
- Completely free with no limits
- Already installed on every Mac
- Simple and straightforward
- No need to upload files to the internet — everything is local
- Permanent redaction (not just visual overlay)
Cons
- Mac only — no Windows or Linux version
- No AI detection — every item must be found and selected manually
- No OCR — cannot redact scanned documents
- No batch processing
- No audit trails
- Limited customization options
- Slow for complex documents with many items to redact
Best For
Mac users who need to redact a few items from a simple document occasionally. Not practical for regular use or complex documents.
Tool 3: Smallpdf
Website: smallpdf.com Type: Browser-based Free limit: 2 tasks per day Platforms: Any (browser)
Overview
Smallpdf is a popular all-in-one PDF toolkit that includes compress, merge, convert, sign, and redact features. The redaction tool is basic but functional.
Features
- Manual selection: Highlight text or draw boxes to mark for redaction
- Color options: Choose redaction mark color
- Permanent redaction: Text is removed, not just hidden
Pros
- Easy to use interface
- Part of a broader PDF toolkit (useful if you need other PDF features)
- SOC 2 certified
- Works on any device with a browser
Cons
- No AI detection — entirely manual
- Free tier limited to 2 tasks per day
- OCR requires a paid subscription ($12/month)
- No batch processing on free tier
- No audit trails
- Not HIPAA compliant
- Files are uploaded to Smallpdf servers
Best For
People who already use Smallpdf for other PDF tasks and occasionally need to redact a simple document.
Tool 4: iLovePDF
Website: ilovepdf.com Type: Browser-based Free limit: Limited (varies) Platforms: Any (browser)
Overview
iLovePDF is another popular online PDF suite similar to Smallpdf. It offers a basic redaction feature alongside its other tools.
Features
- Manual selection: Draw boxes or select text to redact
- Basic interface: Simple point-and-click redaction
- Permanent redaction: Text is removed from the document
Pros
- Affordable premium plan ($7/month) if you need more
- Simple interface
- Part of a broader PDF toolkit
- Works on any device
Cons
- No AI detection
- No OCR — scanned documents not supported
- No batch processing
- No audit trails
- No compliance certifications for redaction
- Limited free tier
- Files uploaded to third-party servers
Best For
Basic, occasional redaction of simple documents where security is not a primary concern.
Tool 5: PDF24
Website: tools.pdf24.org Type: Browser-based + Windows desktop app Free limit: Unlimited Platforms: Browser (any) + Windows desktop
Overview
PDF24 is a free German PDF toolkit that stands out for having no document limits on its free tier. Available both online and as a downloadable Windows application.
Features
- Manual area selection: Draw rectangles over areas to redact
- Desktop option: Windows application for offline use
- Permanent redaction: Content is removed
- No document limits: Process as many files as you want
Pros
- Completely free with no document limits
- Desktop version works offline (Windows)
- Online version works on any device
- No account required
Cons
- No AI detection
- No OCR
- No batch processing
- Very basic redaction interface — area selection only (no text selection)
- No audit trails
- No compliance certifications
- Desktop version is Windows only
- Online version uploads files to PDF24 servers
Best For
Budget-conscious users who need a completely free tool with no limits. Best used for non-sensitive documents given the basic security posture.
Tool 6: AvePDF
Website: avepdf.com Type: Browser-based Free limit: Limited (file size restrictions) Platforms: Any (browser)
Overview
AvePDF is a newer online PDF toolkit that includes a redaction tool. It positions itself as a privacy-focused alternative to larger competitors.
Features
- Manual selection: Text selection and area redaction
- Privacy focus: Claims to delete files after processing
- Permanent redaction: Text is removed from documents
Pros
- Clean, modern interface
- Privacy-focused messaging
- Works on any device
- No account required for basic use
Cons
- No AI detection
- No OCR
- No batch processing
- File size limits on free tier
- No compliance certifications
- Relatively new — less established than competitors
- Limited documentation and support
Best For
Users looking for a simple, clean interface for occasional basic redaction.
Comparison Table
| Feature | AI-Redact | Mac Preview | Smallpdf | iLovePDF | PDF24 | AvePDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Detection | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Data Types Detected | 40+ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Permanent Redaction | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OCR (Scanned PDFs) | Yes | No | Paid only | No | No | No |
| Batch Processing | Pro only | No | No | No | No | No |
| Audit Trails | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| SOC 2 Certified | Yes | N/A | Yes | No | No | No |
| Free Document Limit | 5/month | Unlimited | 2/day | Limited | Unlimited | Limited |
| Platform | Browser | Mac | Browser | Browser | Win/Browser | Browser |
| Offline Mode | No | Yes | No | No | Yes (Win) | No |
| Avg. Time (10 pages) | 2-3 min | 30+ min | 20-30 min | 20-30 min | 20-30 min | 20-30 min |
Security Warnings for Free Online Tools
If you are redacting sensitive information — medical records, financial data, legal documents, personal identification numbers — exercise caution with free online tools.
Questions to Ask
Where do uploaded files go? Every online tool uploads your document to their servers for processing. Check the privacy policy to understand where servers are located and who has access.
How long are files retained? Some tools delete files immediately after processing. Others retain them for hours, days, or indefinitely. Tools that retain your documents pose a data security risk.
Is the connection encrypted? The upload and download should use TLS/SSL encryption. Check for HTTPS in the URL.
Does the tool have security certifications? SOC 2, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 certifications mean the tool has undergone independent security audits.
Is the tool appropriate for your data type? For casual documents (like redacting your address from a form you are sharing on social media), any tool works. For healthcare data, financial data, or legal documents, use a tool with appropriate compliance certifications.
Our Recommendation
For sensitive documents, use a tool that offers:
- Zero data retention (files deleted immediately after processing)
- SOC 2 Type II certification
- Encryption in transit and at rest
- A clear privacy policy
- HIPAA compliance if handling health data
AI-Redact meets all of these requirements and offers BAAs for healthcare organizations. For non-sensitive documents, any of the tools on this list will work.
How We Tested
We evaluated each tool on:
- Redaction quality: Does the tool truly remove text (not just hide it)?
- Detection capabilities: Does the tool help you find sensitive data?
- Ease of use: How quickly can a new user perform a redaction?
- Scanned document support: Can the tool handle scanned PDFs?
- Security: What certifications and policies does the tool have?
- Free tier limitations: How much can you do without paying?
All tools on this list perform true permanent redaction — they remove text from the document structure rather than just visually hiding it. The primary differentiators are AI detection, OCR support, and security posture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which free tool is best overall?
AI-Redact's free tier is the best overall because it is the only free option with AI-powered detection. The AI automatically finds sensitive data, which makes redaction dramatically faster and more thorough than manual-only tools.
Is free redaction safe?
It depends on the tool and the document. For non-sensitive documents, any reputable tool on this list is fine. For sensitive documents (medical, financial, legal), use a tool with security certifications and zero data retention. Avoid uploading highly sensitive documents to tools that do not clearly state their security practices.
Can free tools handle scanned PDFs?
Among the tools tested, only AI-Redact includes OCR on its free tier. Smallpdf offers OCR on its paid plan. The other tools do not support scanned PDF redaction.
Do free tools perform permanent redaction?
Yes — all six tools on this list perform permanent redaction that removes text from the document structure. However, free "redaction" tools not on this list may only draw visual overlays. Always verify that the tool you choose performs true redaction.
Is there a completely free tool with no limits?
Mac Preview (Mac only) and PDF24 (Windows/browser) have no document limits. Neither has AI detection or OCR, so they require manual identification of every sensitive item.
Conclusion: Our Top Pick
For most people, AI-Redact's free tier is the best free redaction tool in 2026. The AI detection is a genuine differentiator — it turns a 30-minute manual task into a 3-minute review. Five free documents per month is enough for occasional use, and the Pro plan at $29/month is reasonable for heavier needs.
If you are on a Mac and need unlimited free redaction for simple documents, Preview is a solid choice. If you are on Windows and need unlimited free redaction, PDF24 works.
For sensitive documents in healthcare, legal, or financial contexts, prioritize security — AI-Redact is the only free tool on this list with SOC 2 certification and HIPAA compliance.
Further Reading
- Best Redaction Software in 2026 — Includes paid options with advanced features
- How to Redact a PDF Without Adobe — More alternatives to Adobe
- How to Redact a PDF Online — Online redaction options compared
- How to Redact a PDF for Free — Step-by-step free redaction guide
- Why Blacking Out Text Doesn't Work — Avoid these common mistakes
Try AI-Redact free — 5 documents per month, AI detection included, no credit card required.