Before you share a PDF, you may want to examine the document for sensitive or private information that can trace the document to you. PDF Reader provides an alternative way to hide sensitive information in PDF documents instead of using or paying for the redact tool. Here’s how:

Step 1: Black out Text Content

Option 1 -  Using the Highlighter

If you would like to hide information or answers from your textbooks while preparing for exams, try to black out the text content with highlights:

1. Long tap on the highlighter
2. Change the color to “Black” with the opacity of 100%
3. Drag over the text you wish to hide. (See the detailed tutorial here)
4. Save the PDF as a flattened copy

Option 2 - Using the Shape Tool

If the information is not text content or can not be selected, you could try this option.

1. Tap on the shape tool
2. Choose “Rectangle” and fill with color in black (or in white)
3. Move the slider to adjust the opacity to 100%
4. Add the rectangle over what you would like to hide in the PDF (See the detailed tutorial here)
5. Save the PDF as a flattened copy

(Note: This is not a redaction tool, so the hidden content can still be found while using text search.)

Step 2: Convert the PDF to an image

If you need to prevent others from revealing the covered information, you could share it after converting the PDF page into an image file. (Or turn the image into a PDF again)

1. Open the flattened PDF
2. Tap the “More” button in the top right corner
3. Choose “Converter” and select “PNG” as the output format
4. Tap “Start” and then the output file will be stored in the “Converted” folder (More details about file conversion)