Adobe PDF Redaction Software: How to Redact using Adobe and is it worth the effort

Have you ever been stuck in a situation where you needed to redact sensitive info from a document or email? If yes, you are not alone.

Confidential information is everywhere, from business documents and tax filings to employee and medical records. Keeping sensitive data confidential is critical for organizations of all sizes. Sometimes, you may need to show your client a document but want to hide some data from them. 

It is where redaction helps!

You can conceal content from any pdf document using the right tools and software. For example, with Adobe PDF Redaction Software, you can easily redact confidential information from any PDF file with just a few clicks. 

Alongside Adobe, other tools like Redactable ensure the data's security by issuing accredited redaction certificates to track redaction activities with time stamps. The platform also helps redact personal data in documents to avoid identity theft. 

We know how critical protecting sensitive information between clients and business communication is. Therefore, we'll teach you how to use Adobe PDF Redaction Software to redact sensitive information effectively using nine simple steps.  So, let's get started!

What is Adobe Redactor, and how it works?

In simple words, Adobe Acrobat is a fully automated redaction tool that removes or masks sensitive info from docs, PDFs, images, and other documents.

The feature can redact sensitive information such as personal identification numbers, financial data, and confidential business information. 

Once the information has been redacted, it can only be recovered from the original file. It is useful for protecting sensitive information shared with your clients electronically. 

You have the option of using colored boxes in place of the blacked text or images or leaving the space empty. You can also customize the appearance of the redaction marks, such as the color, size, and style of the box or text that appears.

9 Steps to redact using Adobe PDF Redaction Software

PDFs can be a great source of information, but at the same time, you must ensure that you have redacted sensitive information before sharing the documents. 

Phrases and words can be redacted from a document individually and in bulk using Adobe Acrobat. The feature lets you redact the PDF document easily with just a few clicks. 

Here are a few steps to mask sensitive information in Adobe pdf redaction software:

Step 1: Run Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF.

Step 2: Click on the "Tools" tab in the top menu

Step 3:  Select the "Redact" option

Step 4:  To redact a word or a sentence at a time, you can use the cursor to highlight the text. 

Step 5: Left-click on the "Apply" option.

Step 6: A dialogue box with an on and off button will appear. Sanitize and erase concealed information by turning the toggle on or off.

Step 7: Click the  "Ok"  option to apply the effect.

‍Step 8: The Save As PDF dialogue box will ask you where you want to store your work. 

Step 9:- Click on the Save button in the dialogue box.

Image redaction in regular PDF using Adobe

Redacting images from the PDF through Adobe PDF redaction software is seamless. Thinking how? Let’s dive in to know:

Step 1: Run Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF.

Step 2: Click on the "Tools" tab in the top menu and select "Redact."

Step 3: Click Redact Text & Images from the Edit menu.

Step 4: Select the image you wish to redact. It will be highlighted in red to let you know it has been chosen.

Step 5: To complete and lock the redaction, save the PDF.

Another method of redacting photos is to open the PDF. Then, right-click the image, and select Redact from the context menu. Before sharing the PDF with others, always apply and save your modifications.

Customization of Adobe Redaction Markings

Images and text that have been redacted have thin red outlines around them and are replaced with black boxes. Adobe PDF redaction software allows users to change the look of the redaction marks before they are applied to the document. 

Step 1: Run Adobe Acrobat and open the file.

Step 2: Choose the "Redact" option under the "Tools" menu. Or, select Redact Text & Images from the context menu.

Step 3: The Redact toolkit will be featured in the secondary toolbar. Select the "Redaction Properties" option. The window for the redaction properties appears with the adjustable settings for the appearance of the redaction marks. 

These settings may include options such as the overlay's color and opacity, the redaction border's thickness, and more.

Step 4:- Select the choices you wish to edit, then click OK.

• Redacted Area Fill Colors - Pick a fill color from the color palette for the boxes that substitute deleted content. For example, select No Color if you want the blacked area to be blank.
• Custom Text - The text you wish to see in the blacked area should be typed there.
• Redaction Mark Appearance - Select either the Fill Color or Outline Color icon. Pick a color for the pictures and text you've highlighted for redaction. To keep the selected section without color, pick No Color.
• Use Overlay Text - If you want to choose the redaction code or custom text, choose the text's alignment, size, and typeface.
•  Redaction Code - Choose a code from a pre-existing set, or press Edit Code to create a code set.

Remove Redactions From a PDF

Redacting information in a PDF is easy. However, what should you do if you want the redacted images or text back? In this case, you must know how to remove the redactions from a PDF.  Follow these instructions for the removal of redaction:

Step 1: Run Adobe Acrobat pro and load the original file.

Step 2: Go to the top of the page and choose the Edit tab.

Step 3: Press the Redact Text & Images option from the menu.

Step 4: You can remove or apply the effect of the selected image or text from the option.

Step 5: The colorful bars will vanish, and the image or text will become visible after removing the redactions.

FAQs

1. Is redacting a document permitted?

Redacting a document is permissible until it is done for a legitimate reason. For example, businesses authorized to protect sensitive information, such as personal identification numbers, social security numbers, and confidential business information.

2. Can the redaction effect in Adobe PDF Redaction Software be removed?

Yes, the effect of redaction on an image or text can be removed. You can follow the steps illustrated in this guide to redact an image or text and hide the sensitive data.

3. Is redaction the same as deletion?

No, "redact" and "delete" are not the same. To "redact" something means to obscure sensitive information from a document or text. To "delete" something means to remove it entirely. 

Follow the instructions to prevent PDF editing-

Step 1: Run Adobe Acrobat and open the file you want to prevent.

Step 2: Select "Tools" and "Protect" from the menu.

Step 3: To prevent modifications, you can secure the file using a passcode.

Step 4: Set a password or other security measure as desired.

Step 5: Select "OK" and "SAVE."

Is PDF redaction safe to do?

PDF redaction can be a safe and effective way to remove sensitive information from a PDF document. However, using a reliable and reputable tool or service, such as Adobe PDF redaction software, Redactable, etc., is important.

Is Adobe the Best tool to redact a PDF?

Adobe PDF software is known for its extensive features for creating and editing PDF files, including redaction tools. However, the adobe redaction feature has significant drawbacks-

• Only Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, which has a monthly subscription of $24.99, features the redact tool. In its Standard DC package, Adobe no longer offers the tool.
• Manually performed redaction.(which is time consuming)
• The level of output might eventually decline.
• Human errors can most likely occur.

The Best Alternative to Adobe PDF Redaction software: Redactable

Redactable is an excellent alternative to Adobe Redaction software. The best features of the Redactable are-

• Redaction is done using AI technology.
• Increases productivity.
• GDPR and HIPAA compliant.
• Fast redaction speed - can redact ten pages in just 2.5 minutes.(on an average)
• No human error.
• Highly effective in ensuring all sensitive information is covered.
• Court-approved Redaction Certificate provided with every document redacted using Redactable.

To use Redactable, you must follow simple steps to ensure your document is redacted accurately and efficiently. Here are the steps you need to follow to redact a document on Redactable-

Step 1: Upload the document on Redactable.

Step 2: Redaction Wizard assists in locating the information.

Step 3: Choose the content you intend to redact.

Step 4: Download the file to use.

The Wrap-Up!

In this article, you have learned about Adobe PDF redaction software. But it is not as effective as Redactable, an excellent alternative to Adobe redaction software. The best features of Redactable are-

• Redaction is done using AI technology.
• Increases productivity.
• Fast redaction speed - can redact ten pages in just 2.5 minutes.
• No human error.
• Court-approved Redaction Certificate provided with every document redacted using Redactable.
• You can use Redactable to redact pdf files at a much lower cost than Acrobat. 

The Best part about Redactable? It lets you redact PDF files without changing your original file format. 

For businesses and organizations to securely keep and share, their sensitive data becomes hassle-free with Redactable. The platform is a great web-based alternative with free and premium plans that can redact your documents with a few clicks. 

With this software, you can protect your privacy and maintain confidentiality while ensuring your documents are available. If you'd like to learn more about Redactable and how it can benefit your business, sign up now and start redacting your documents today!