Redact PDF vs. Protect PDF
Removing specific content vs. restricting access to the whole file.
These address different threat models. Redact PDF permanently removes specific sensitive text from the page content itself — the result is a normal, unencrypted PDF anyone can open, just without the redacted information. Protect PDF leaves all content untouched but encrypts the entire file behind a password, so nobody without the password can open it at all.
Redact PDF
Best for
- Removing specific sensitive text (names, numbers, paragraphs) before sharing a document more broadly
- Documents that still need to be readable by anyone, minus the redacted parts
Trade-offs
- Doesn't restrict who can open the file — only removes the specific content you selected
- Text inside a nested embedded object isn't reached by the current redaction pass
Protect PDF
Best for
- Restricting who can open a file at all, with its content unchanged
- Sharing a complete document securely with only specific recipients
Trade-offs
- Doesn't remove or hide any content — anyone with the password sees everything
| Dimension | Redact PDF | Protect PDF |
|---|---|---|
| What it changes | Specific content is removed | Nothing — access is restricted instead |
| Result | Unencrypted PDF, minus redacted parts | Encrypted PDF, full content intact |
| Protects against | Anyone seeing specific information | Anyone opening the file at all |
Verdict
Redact when specific information shouldn't be seen by anyone, even authorized readers. Protect when the whole document is sensitive and should only be opened by people with the password. Sensitive documents sometimes need both: redact first, then protect the result.