How to redact a PDF on Android
You can redact a PDF on any Android phone or tablet without installing anything. maskyourdocs runs in Chrome, works with your finger, and never uploads the file.
Open the redaction tool Free, no account. The file stays on your device.Quick steps
- In Chrome, go to maskyourdocs.com and tap Get started.
- Tap Choose a file and pick the PDF.
- Rest a finger on what should go until a ring appears, then drag over it.
- Tap Export, then Generate, then Download.
Why not draw on it in a PDF viewer?
The pens and highlighters in PDF viewers draw on top of the page. The text underneath stays in the file, and whoever receives it can copy it straight back out. You can check any PDF with the copy-paste test.
Find the PDF
- From Gmail: tap the download icon on the attachment. It's saved to Downloads.
- From Google Drive: you can usually pick it straight from Drive in the file picker.
- From WhatsApp or another app: use the app's Share or Save option to keep a copy on your phone.
Step by step
Step 1: Open the PDF
In Chrome, go to maskyourdocs.com, tap Get started, then Choose a file. Android's file picker opens; use its menu to switch between Downloads, Drive and other places. If the PDF asks for a password, enter it. The redacted copy you download has no password.
Step 2: Cover things with a box
Rest a finger on the spot until a ring appears, then drag over what should go. A quick swipe scrolls instead. Pinch with two fingers to zoom.
Step 3: Or select words
If the PDF has selectable text, tap Select text. Press and hold a word, drag the handles to cover what should go, then tap Mask this.
Step 4: Catch every copy
Type a name or number into Find text and tap Mask all.
Step 5: Fix a mark
Tap a black bar to see what's under it, move it, resize it from the corners, or remove it. Undo takes back the last change.
Step 6: Export and save
Tap Export. Phones start at Screen: 150 DPI to save memory; choose a higher setting for sharper pages. Tap Generate, check the result, then Download. Chrome saves the file to Downloads; you'll find it in your phone's Files app.
Share the redacted copy
In your Files app, open Downloads and share the file whose name starts with maskyourdocs.com-. If it came from Drive, upload this copy back to Drive rather than sharing the original.
Tips for Android
- Large files: above about 20 MB on a phone, the tool warns you, because the browser can close the tab if memory runs out while exporting. Use 150 DPI, or a computer, for long documents.
- Photos: pick a photo or screenshot instead of a PDF and draw boxes the same way. See redacting a screenshot.
- Browsers: Chrome is the usual choice; other up-to-date browsers work the same way.
- Offline: once the site has loaded, it keeps working without a connection.
Questions
Do I need an app to redact a PDF on Android?
No. maskyourdocs runs in Chrome or another up-to-date browser, with nothing to install and no account.
Where is the redacted PDF saved on Android?
In Downloads. Open your phone's Files app and look for the name starting with maskyourdocs.com-.
Can I redact a PDF that's in Google Drive?
Yes. Pick it from Drive in the file picker, redact it, and upload the downloaded copy back to Drive if you want it there.
Is the PDF uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything happens on your phone.