Protect access
Add passwords, permissions, or remove passwords when you are allowed to do so.
- Encrypt PDF
- Unlock PDF
- Change Permissions
Category hub
Secure PDF Tools
Protect sensitive PDF files before sharing. Encrypt documents, redact private information, remove hidden metadata, add watermarks, flatten editable content, and sign PDFs for review or distribution.
Use this hub when a PDF contains confidential, internal, legal, financial, or personal information that needs review before it leaves your device or team.
Choose the right tool
Remove sensitive data
Redact visible text and remove hidden metadata before sharing.
- Find & Redact
- Remove Metadata
- Sanitize PDF
Mark ownership
Add visible markings, signatures, or internal review stamps.
- Add Watermark
- Sign PDF
- Digital Sign PDF
Lock final state
Flatten forms and annotations so the shared copy is harder to alter.
- Flatten PDF
- Remove Annotations
- Validate Signature
Best tools for common tasks
Encrypt PDF
Password protect PDF files. Add encryption and set permissions.
Local in browserNo login needed
Decrypt PDF
Remove password from PDF files. Unlock password-protected documents.
Local in browserNo login needed
Find and Redact
Search and redact text across all pages of a PDF. Batch redact sensitive information like account numbers, names, and more.
Local in browserAPI available
Remove Metadata
Strip metadata from PDF files. Remove author, dates, and document properties.
Local in browserAPI availableNo login needed
Add Watermark
Add text or image watermarks to PDF files. Protect and brand your documents.
Local in browserAPI availableNo login needed
Sign PDF
Add electronic signatures to PDF documents. Draw, type, or upload your signature.
Local in browserNo login needed
Flatten PDF
Flatten PDF forms and annotations. Make content non-editable.
Local in browserAPI availableNo login needed
Sanitize PDF
Remove hidden data from PDFs. Clean metadata, scripts, and sensitive information.
Local in browserNo login needed
Processing model
Security-sensitive file tools are local-first where possible. Redaction, metadata removal, flattening, and watermarking also have API options for teams that need repeatable controls.
Local in browser
Most file-based PDF tools run directly in your browser with JavaScript or WebAssembly.
Server-side processing
Tools that need webpage capture, Chromium rendering, or backend automation disclose that before submission.
API available
Only tools with a real API landing page or API Docs support are marked as API available.
Recommended workflows
Confidential sharing check
Remove hidden data, redact visible secrets, then encrypt the final file.
- 1Remove metadata
- 2Find and redact sensitive text
- 3Encrypt the final PDF
Internal review copy
Mark a draft PDF before sending it for feedback.
- 1Add watermark
- 2Flatten comments if needed
- 3Share the review copy
Signed distribution
Add a visible signature or validate a digital signature before distribution.
- 1Sign the PDF
- 2Validate signature if applicable
- 3Archive the final copy
Automated redaction
Use API automation when repeated documents need the same redaction and metadata policy.
- 1Define redaction terms
- 2Call PDF Redaction API
- 3Store the redacted output
Security checklist before sharing a PDF
- Remove hidden metadata
- Redact sensitive text instead of covering it visually
- Flatten form fields and annotations when needed
- Add a watermark for internal or confidential documents
- Encrypt the final PDF when sharing outside your team
Common issues
Covering text is not redaction
Drawing a box over text may leave the original text recoverable. Use a redaction tool for sensitive data.
Metadata can reveal more than the page shows
Author names, application history, and timestamps can remain hidden in a PDF unless removed.
Passwords do not replace review
Encryption controls access, but it does not remove sensitive content. Redact first when information should not be shared.
Flattening is difficult to undo
Keep an editable original before flattening forms, annotations, or layers.
All tools in this category
Encrypt PDF
Password protect PDF files. Add encryption and set permissions.
Secure PDF
Sanitize PDF
Remove hidden data from PDFs. Clean metadata, scripts, and sensitive information.
Secure PDF
Find and Redact
Search and redact text across all pages of a PDF. Batch redact sensitive information like account numbers, names, and more.
Secure PDF
Decrypt PDF
Remove password from PDF files. Unlock password-protected documents.
Secure PDF
Flatten PDF
Flatten PDF forms and annotations. Make content non-editable.
Secure PDF
Remove Metadata
Strip metadata from PDF files. Remove author, dates, and document properties.
Secure PDF
Change Permissions
Modify PDF permissions. Control printing, copying, and editing access.
Secure PDF
Digital Signature
Add X.509 digital signatures to PDF documents. Sign PDFs with PFX, P12, or PEM certificates for legal validity.
Secure PDF
Validate Signature
Verify digital signatures in PDF documents. Check certificate validity, signer information, and document integrity.
Secure PDF
Related guides
Developer APIs
FAQ
Are PDF security tools local-first?
Security-sensitive file tools are designed to run locally where possible. Server-side or API processing is clearly labeled before use.
Is a black rectangle the same as redaction?
No. Real redaction removes or burns in sensitive content so it cannot be recovered by selecting text or inspecting objects.
Should I remove metadata from confidential PDFs?
Yes. Metadata can contain names, software, timestamps, and other hidden details that are not visible on the page.
When should I flatten a PDF?
Flatten after forms, comments, or annotations are final and the shared copy should be harder to edit.