PDF tools

Fake Redaction Detector

Drawing a black box over text doesn't delete it — the covered text is often still fully selectable, searchable, and copyable underneath. This checks a PDF's actual page contents (not just what's visible) and shows you exactly what's still there. Processed entirely in your browser; the file, and anything found inside it, never leaves your device.

Your files never leave your device

Drop a file here, click to browse, or paste

.pdf · up to 100 MB each

FAQ

Does this fix the redaction, or just check it?
Detection only — it tells you exactly what's still recoverable and where, so you can judge whether it's actually sensitive and re-do the redaction properly (in the source document, not just by covering the PDF again).
How does it tell a real cover-up from a normal highlight box?
By reading the page's actual drawing order, not just color: a real redaction attempt draws its box after the text, on top of it. A highlighted-text design element draws the text after a lighter box. A geometric match on its own isn't proof of anything — you see the actual recovered text and judge for yourself.

Related tools

We use cookies for analytics, to understand how FileSherpa is used and improve it. Your files never leave your device either way — this is only about anonymous usage stats. See our Privacy Policy for details.