Blur PDF
Use for a visual effect, not secrets
Changed pages are rebuilt as JPEG images, but blurred shapes, letters, faces, or numbers may remain recognizable.
- Do not use for private records
- Untouched pages are copied
- Review weak blur at high zoom
Document privacy
Redact Private Information From a PDF
Use solid redaction blocks for private information, understand how the PDF pages are flattened, and check the saved copy before sharing it.
Quick answer
What you need to know
Use Redact PDF for private information. It rebuilds every page as a PNG image with solid blocks; Blur PDF rebuilds changed pages as JPEG images, and blurred details can still be recognizable, so do not use blur for secrets.
- Best for
- Anyone sharing PDFs that contain names, account details, addresses, legal information, or other private content.
- Start with
- Redact PDF
- Privacy
- Processed in your browser
Privacy decision
Blur changes appearance; redaction is the safer route for private content
JPEGConvert's two exports work differently. Keep the original, choose the method based on risk, and inspect the downloaded copy before sharing it.
Redact PDF
Use solid blocks for private information
Every page is rebuilt as a PNG image and the pixels beneath each selected block are not placed in the exported page image.
- All pages become image based
- Selectable text and interactive features can be lost
- Inspect every block and page before sharing
Do this first
Create and Check a Redacted Copy
Keep the source safe, cover every private area, and inspect the flattened export.
- 1
Keep an untouched original
Work on a copy so you can correct mistakes without losing the complete document.
- 2
Cover every private area
Use Redact PDF and place a solid block over each name, number, image, or detail that must not be shared.
- 3
Understand the flattened output
The redacted export turns every page into an image, so selectable text, links, forms, signatures, bookmarks, and accessibility can be lost.
- 4
Verify the exported copy
Reopen the saved PDF, inspect every page and block at high zoom, and send only the copy you checked.
01
How JPEGConvert Redaction Works
Redact PDF renders every page as a PNG image, paints solid blocks over the selected areas, and builds a new image-based PDF.
- The pixels under each solid block are not placed in the exported page image.
- All pages are flattened, including pages that do not contain a redaction block.
- Keep the original because the new PDF is no longer a normal selectable or interactive document.
02
Why Blur Is Not for Secrets
Blur PDF changes the pixels on pages where you add a blur, but blurred shapes and text can remain recognizable.
- Changed pages are rebuilt as JPEG images, while untouched pages are copied into the new PDF.
- A weak blur may still reveal letter shapes, faces, numbers, or other details.
- Use blur for a visual effect, not for passwords, account numbers, identities, or private records.
Go deeper
Put PDF Pages in the Right Order
Reorder, rotate, remove, or extract PDF pages while keeping a safe original and checking the final page sequence.
Final review
Check the flattened copy before sharing
The visible edit is only one part of the review.
Coverage
Inspect every covered edge
Open the downloaded copy in another reader and zoom in around each solid block.
Completeness
Review every page
Check repeated headers, footers, images, and every occurrence of the private detail.
Document features
Confirm flattening is acceptable
Test any selectable text, links, forms, signatures, bookmarks, or accessibility features you still need.
Review checklist, not automated verification. Share only the exported copy you personally inspected.
03
Check the Flattened Copy
The export can look correct while a block is too small or a page feature you needed has disappeared.
- Open the saved PDF in another reader and zoom in on every covered edge.
- Review repeated headers, footers, images, and every page that may contain the same detail.
- Confirm that losing selectable text, links, forms, signatures, and accessibility is acceptable.
Quick questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Redact PDF remove selectable text?
Yes. JPEGConvert rebuilds every page as an image, so the exported PDF no longer contains the original selectable text layer.
Is Blur PDF safe for private information?
No. Blurred details can remain recognizable. Use Redact PDF with solid blocks for information that must not be seen.
What can flattening remove from the PDF?
Flattening can remove selectable text, links, forms, signatures, bookmarks, attachments, and accessibility information. Keep the original and test everything you need.
How should I check the redacted copy?
Reopen it in another PDF reader, zoom in on every block, review every page, and confirm that the new image-based file is acceptable for the recipient.
Remember this
The short version
- Use solid redaction blocks, not blur, for private information.
- JPEGConvert Redact PDF flattens every page into an image-based PDF.
- Check every block and every required document feature before sharing.
Ready to work
Open the tool you need
Pick the step that matches your file. Each tool runs in your browser.
Redact PDF Rasterize every page to PNG and paint solid blocks over information that must not remain visible. Open tool Blur PDF Blur selected areas and rebuild only changed pages as JPEG images; do not use it for secrets. Open tool Remove PDF Metadata Create a separate copy without the metadata fields this tool removes. Open tool