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Is there a file size limit to redact a PDF?
Updated July 2026
On the free plan you can redact a PDF with files up to 10 MB and 25 pages. Pro raises this to 200–500 MB and up to 1000 pages, and Lifetime to 1 GB with unlimited pages. Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered.
Answer
On the free plan you can redact a PDF with files up to 10 MB and 25 pages. Pro raises this to 200–500 MB and up to 1000 pages, and Lifetime to 1 GB with unlimited pages. Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered.
More about redact pdf
Real redaction deletes the underlying content; a black rectangle alone can be removed to reveal the text.
Copying text from under a fake redaction box exposes the hidden data — a common leak.
Redaction should also clear document metadata that can leak names and edit history.
How to redact a PDF
- 1
Open the redact tool
Sign in and open the Redact tool.
- 2
Mark what to hide
Draw over the names, numbers or paragraphs that must be removed.
- 3
Apply redaction
Arthize deletes the underlying content, not just paints over it.
- 4
Download
Get a clean PDF where the redacted data is truly gone.
Common questions
- How do I permanently redact text in a PDF?
- Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.
- Why is drawing a black box over text not safe?
- Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.
- Does redaction also remove hidden metadata?
- Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.
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