How to white out text in a PDF, and when it isn't enough
Updated November 2, 2026
Covering part of a page is useful for hiding a mistake or a blank field before adding new text. It is not the right way to remove confidential information, and the difference matters.
Cover an area in three steps
Open your file in the PDF editor.
- Choose the "Cover area" tool.
- Draw over the part of the page you want to hide.
- Add new text on top if needed, then click "Download".
Why covering isn't removing
Covering places a shape over the page. The original words may still exist in the file underneath, and someone could find them by selecting or copying the text, or by opening the file in other software. Treat a covered area as a visual change only.
If the information is sensitive
Don't rely on covering for ID numbers, bank details or medical information. Use software with a true redaction feature, which permanently deletes the content, and test the result by searching for the hidden words. When in doubt, ask whoever handles compliance at your organization.