The PDF format is extremely practical for sharing documents, but it can present some difficulties if we need to modify its data. For example, there are times when we must redact text in PDF, such as an ID document, an address, or a bank account. If you want to know how to hide information in a PDF file and don't know where to start, this article will help you.
Why can't I edit a PDF file?
In reality, you can - only the process is a bit more complex than usual. A classic mistake is to place a PDF at the same level as a .txt file. PDF is a format designed for storage, preservation, and distribution of different elements, from basic text to vector graphics, fonts, digital signatures, audio, video, metadata, and much more. The key is to transform all that into an editable format, and if the document is very advanced, such a transformation could ruin its structure. However, if the editing is limited to a little text, our chances of success are much greater.
How to redact text in PDF with LibreOffice
- Download and install the latest version of LibreOffice.
- Load Writer, and then open the PDF to redact from within it. This will process the PDF content and send it to Draw.
- Find the text to redact.
- Go to Tools - Redact - Rectangle, and mark the text you want to redact. The background must be painted gray.
- Go back to Tools - Redact, and this time choose Redacted export (black).
- Save the copy of the PDF, and open it again to make sure the text is hidden.
Another alternative offered by LibreOffice is to redact freehand. Instead of covering a whole paragraph, "paint" the individual words you want to cover, and then repeat steps 5 and 6. Finally, if you prefer that everything remain white instead of leaving huge black blocks, use "Redacted export (white)".
In summary
I admit it's not a perfect solution, and there is always a possibility that the conversion and subsequent saving process could break the original document format, but LibreOffice provides the simplest, fastest, and cheapest method to redact text in PDF. Do you know another free and unrestricted alternative? Leave a comment!
