Why “covering” isn't always redacting
Many PDF editors let you draw a black rectangle over some text. If that rectangle is a separate layer, the text underneath is still in the file — you can often select, copy or search it. The same is true for highlighting text in black, or for cropping a page while keeping the original.
Real redaction means the hidden information is gone from the file, not just out of sight.
What actually works
- Redact the image before the PDF exists. When boxes are drawn onto the page image, the pixels underneath are replaced. A PDF built from that image has no hidden text layer.
- Use solid, opaque boxes. Light blur or pixelation can sometimes be partly reversed; black boxes cannot.
- Share only the redacted copy. Keep the original paper (or file) somewhere private.
- Check the result. Zoom in on every covered area, and try to select text in the final PDF.
What to hide
- National ID and personal identification numbers
- IBAN, bank account and card numbers
- Home address and phone number
- Email address, date of birth and signatures you don't need to share
- Customer, policy and case numbers that could be used to look you up
How to do it in DocLensr
- Scan the page and open it in the editor.
- Tap Redact personal data.
- Drag rectangles over the sensitive areas. Pinch to zoom for precision; switch to pan mode to move around a zoomed page.
- Use undo if a box is off, then tap Apply.
Note: Redaction in DocLensr is permanent: the boxes become part of the image. Keep the original paper if you might need the full page later, and always review the final document before sending it.
