iSmart Document
Redaction
This describes iSmart Document with the improved redaction, which is about to be released. iSmart Document downloads
Redaction has two steps. Placing a box only marks an area; nothing is removed yet, and the content under it can still be read, searched and copied until you press “Apply redaction”. Applying turns each marked page into an image: the marked areas are filled black before the image is made, and text or objects touching a mark are taken out. Then save to create the redacted copy. The original document in your library is not changed.
Two states
Marked, not applied (Pending)
Only a mark. Nothing is removed; the content under it can still be read, searched and copied.
Applied (Apply redaction)
Each marked page is turned into an image; the marked areas are filled black and text or objects touching a mark are taken out.
Steps
- Mark the areas to redact
- Adjust the boxes
- Press “Apply redaction”
- Confirm
- Save to create a new copy (the original in your library is not changed)
The app warns you
If marks are still pending, the app warns you before you save, export, print, share or convert the file.
Limitations
- Redacted pages become images: other text on those pages can no longer be selected, searched or read by screen readers.
- Links, form fields and comments on those pages are removed.
- Image quality may change and the file may become larger.
- To make the text searchable again, run OCR.
The redacted copy
The redacted copy is a separate document. You can open it again, but you cannot go back and edit the earlier marks.
Check before you share
Before sending the file to anyone, check the result yourself — for example, try to search for or copy text in the redacted areas.