'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Use PDF Redaction on iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
Question details
The user wants to know if they can perform true PDF redaction using an Apple Pencil on an iPad Pro with an Adobe Acrobat subscription.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Trying to permanently remove sensitive information from a PDF document using a stylus on a tablet, similar to a previous workflow on a Surface Pro.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to find or confirm the full redaction workflow on the iPad app and needs to know if their subscription supports it on mobile.
Verify that your PDF editor subscription is active, as redaction is typically a premium feature. Also, check the latest app update notes, as mobile functionality for advanced security features frequently changes.
Use Desktop Acrobat Pro for Complete PDF Redaction
Since the iPad version of Adobe Acrobat often lacks the permanent redaction workflow, use a desktop computer to ensure sensitive data is fully removed.
True redaction involves more than just covering text with a black box; it requires permanently scrubbing the underlying text data and metadata from the document file. This process is generally reserved for desktop versions of PDF software.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro on your Windows or Mac computer and open the PDF containing sensitive information.
Click on the 'Tools' tab at the top left of the screen, scroll down to the 'Protect & Standardize' section, and select the 'Redact' tool.
Choose 'Mark for Redaction' from the secondary toolbar. Click and drag your cursor over the text, images, or data you want to permanently hide.
Click the 'Apply' button in the Redact toolbar. Confirm the warning prompt stating that the data will be permanently removed, then save the document as a new file.
Use Drawing Tools to Mask Content on iPad (Non-Permanent)
If you are strictly limited to using an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, you can visually mask text using drawing tools, though this is not secure redaction.
Redact and Edit PDFs Securely with WPS Office
If you require professional-grade PDF tools without the high subscription costs, WPS Office provides a comprehensive suite of editing features. With WPS PDF on desktop, you can easily access secure redaction tools to permanently remove sensitive information from your documents.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your PC or Mac.
- 2. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office, select the 'PDF' tab, and open the document you need to redact.
- 3. Find the Redact Tool: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon and select the 'Redact' feature.
- 4. Apply and Save: Highlight the sensitive areas to mark them, then click 'Apply Redactions' to safely and permanently erase the data. Save your newly secured document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the redaction tool in Acrobat for iPad?
True PDF redaction permanently deletes underlying text and image data. Because this alters the fundamental code of the document, it is a complex process generally reserved for desktop software like Adobe Acrobat Pro. Mobile apps often omit this to maintain performance and simplicity.
Does coloring over text with a black Apple Pencil securely redact a PDF?
No. Simply drawing a black box or using a marker tool over text only masks it visually. The original text remains embedded in the document and can easily be copied, read by screen readers, or revealed by removing the annotation layer.
Is PDF redaction available in the free version of Adobe Acrobat?
No, PDF redaction is a premium security feature. You must have an active Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription or similar premium PDF editing software to access and apply true redaction tools.
How do I know if my PDF redaction was successful?
After applying redactions and saving the document as a new file, open the new file and attempt to highlight or search for the redacted text. If the redaction was successful, the text will be completely unsearchable and unselectable.
