How to Securely Redact Documents
Learn the basics of document redaction with RedactProof - from uploading your PDF to exporting a verified, permanently redacted document.
Last updated: 30 Dec 2025
Privacy-First Architecture
RedactProof uses client-side processing. Your documents are processed within your browser and never leave your device. Pro Detection Engine sends extracted text to Cloudflare for enhanced detection - your files stay local. Only cryptographic hashes (mathematical fingerprints) are sent to our servers for certificate registration.
RedactProof is a browser-based document redaction tool designed for professionals handling sensitive information. Unlike cloud-based alternatives that require uploading documents to external servers, RedactProof processes everything locally - giving you the security benefits of desktop software with the convenience of a web application.
Key Capabilities
- AI-Powered Detection: Machine learning models identify names, addresses, dates of birth, and 40+ categories of personally identifiable information (PII)
- Pattern Matching: Regex-based detection for structured data like National Insurance numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, and postcodes
- Pixel-Burn Redaction: Permanent, irrecoverable redaction that removes underlying text data - not just a black box overlay
- Verification Certificates: Cryptographic proof that your redacted document is authentic and has not been modified since export
How Client-Side Processing Works
When you upload a document, it loads directly into your browser's memory. The standard engine runs AI detection in your browser using WebAssembly. Pro Detection Engine sends extracted text to Cloudflare for deeper AI analysis β used for inference only, never stored. Redactions are applied locally, and the finished document is downloaded directly to your device. The file itself never leaves your browser. A cryptographic hash is sent to register your verification certificate.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1: Upload Your Document
- Navigate to app.redactproof.com
- Drag and drop your PDF onto the upload area, or click to browse
- Wait for the document to load in your browser
Supported formats: PDF files only. For other formats, convert to PDF first.
Step 2: Review Detected Information
Once loaded, RedactProof automatically scans your document. Detected items appear in the sidebar with:
- The detected text - What was found
- Category label - e.g., "Person Name", "Email Address", "Date of Birth"
- Confidence indicator - How certain the AI is about the detection
- Page location - Click to navigate directly to the item
Detection Categories
The AI model identifies over 40 types of sensitive information, including:
Step 3: Approve or Dismiss Detections
Review each detection and decide what to redact:
- Click the checkbox to approve for redaction
- Click dismiss (x) to ignore false positives
- Click the item to navigate to its location
- Use "Select All" to approve all detections at once
- Filter by category to review specific types
Adding Manual Redactions
For items the AI missed, you can add manual redactions:
- Text selection: Click and drag to select text, then click "Redact"
- Area selection: Use the rectangle tool to draw boxes over images or handwritten content
Step 4: Export Your Redacted Document
- Click the Export button in the toolbar
- Wait for processing (progress bar shows status)
- Your download starts automatically
What you receive depends on your account tier:
| Tier | Export Format | Certificate | Attribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Single PDF | None | Footnote |
| Core / Pro / Team | ZIP bundle | Included | No |
Next Steps
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Understanding Your Export →
Learn what's in the ZIP bundle and how verification works
-
Verification Certificates →
How to verify a redacted document is authentic