Proven ways to redact PDFs on Mac

PDF files are the most popular format for online document transmission. Everyone, including myself, likes PDFs for the simple reason: the pictures will not move, the fonts will not change, and the content will always be consistent.

The problem is that PDFs sometimes contain sensitive information, errors, outdated facts, or extra content that is no longer needed. What should I do in this situation?

You need to use some kind of PDF decryption tool to delete this information. If you don't already know how to decrypt PDFs so that all deleted data is inaccessible to everyone, then you need to explore these top options with me.

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Free trial security test How to decrypt PDF without Adobe Acrobat Pro

When someone needs PDF decryption tools, they usually think of Adobe Acrobat instinctively. Since Adobe invented the PDF format and dominated the industry, its tools naturally became the first choice for all PDF operations.

But even if Acrobat Pro is a powerful decryption tool, not everyone can use it. This tool is very system-intensive and requires a high monthly subscription fee.

But are there any good Adobe Acrobat alternative or a way to decrypt PDFs? let's see:

You want	How to operate
Decrypt PDF in preview	Create a colored shape using the Detach tool or the Basic Marking tool under Tools > Detach.
Professionally decrypted images	Pixel and edit images with CleanShot X.
Get professional decryption tools	Use Nitro PDF Pro to detach, block, erase and other operations.
Online decryption PDF	Use browser-based solutions such as AvePDF that provides basic online PDF editing capabilities.
Use Adobe Acrobat to decrypt	Add solid rectangles for detunning using the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader and signature features.

Next, I'll go into detail on how each method works and share my favorite methods!

How to decrypt PDF in preview

Preview is one of the most commonly used default Mac applications for viewing images and PDFs. If I'm going to work on stock images of any project or need to sign a PDF for personal reasons, I'm using it almost all the time. The good news is that it also contains enough functionality to decrypt PDFs. Since the release of macOS 11 Big Sur, the tool includes a super simple PDF decryption option.

To decrypt PDF in preview:

1. Open your PDF document in preview.
2. Click Tools > Decrypt in the menu bar.
3. Read the warning carefully and click OK on the pop-up window.
4. Select the content you want to decrypt.
5. Save your document.

Use the Basic Tag Tool in Preview

There is also a way to hide information, which is to use some basic tagging tools in the tag toolbar. This method allows you to manage what you want to keep confidential while keeping your document in good shape overall.

To decrypt information using the tag tool:

1. Open your document in preview.
2. In the Tags toolbar at the top, select one of the shapes (I selected a rectangle).
3. Drag and place the rectangle above what you want to detach.
4. Export the file as a new PDF (don't just save it).

Decryption screenshot using CleanShot X

If you want to decrypt visuals from PDFs in a cool and customizable way, CleanShot X is a great option. What I really like about it is that it is not just leaving a black box on the decrypted information, it can be pixelated, which makes it look better.

To decrypt the image, you need:

1. Install and open CleanShot X.
2. Click the app icon in the menu bar > Take a screenshot or click Open to open the image.
3. In the Application menu, click Pixelation (or select another option).
4. Select the area to detach and pixelate.
5. Click Save As to save the image.

Personal recommendations When you edit or decrypt PDFs, they can end up being very large. This is when the trouble begins, especially when trying to send them by email. Handling large files that are stuck or simply can't pass can be a challenge. PDF Squeezer is an essential utility that processes and compresses PDF files in seconds.

The advantage of this app is that you can use it on your phone just as easily to narrow down files. Simply download PDF Squeezer on your iPhone, select the file you need, and the app will compress it.

How to use Nitro PDF Pro to decrypt

If you really want a complete decryption confirmation, you need to use a dedicated tool like Nitro PDF Pro. This is not to say you have problems with other applications (because I have never personally encountered problems). After all, when you click on the decryption tool, the preview will pop up a window that says, “The decryption content will be permanently deleted.” However, dedicated third-party tools can give you the peace of mind you are looking for.

Nitro PDF Pro is an all-in-one PDF editing tool. It allows you to create and edit PDFs, merge files into a single document, convert PDFs to other formats, convert PDFs to editable text, decrypt existing text, add comments, sign forms, and set passwords. Do I still want to continue?

To decrypt using Nitro PDF Pro:

1. Install and open Nitro PDF Pro on your Mac.
2. Open your PDF>Select the part of the text you want to decrypt.
3. Go to Format > select Decrypted Text—Block (draw a black rectangle at the top) or Decrypted Text—Erase (Erase selected text).
4. When you are ready, save your PDF.

Personally suggest if you have hundreds of PDFs and you are trying to find "the one PDF that your colleague asked you to email" but just can't find it, try PDF Search. The AI ​​assistant of this app can help you find that specific PDF by searching for words or phrases and seeing all the different combinations you are looking for.

How to use online tools to decrypt PDF

If you need a quick decryption option, you can still find the right web-based tool. However, you need to be very careful which websites and tools to use, especially when dealing with sensitive information. One of the reliable options is

For example, AvePDF provides basic online PDF editing features that you can use anytime, anywhere. I used to be in the library and really needed a decryption tool before I sent some files, AvePDF actually saved me.

Here is how to decrypt PDF online using AvePDF:

1. Go to avepdf.com.
2. Navigate to Protection > Decrypt PDF.
3. Upload your PDF file.
4. Click "Add decryption mark".
5. Select text by drawing a rectangle around the content you want to detach.
6. Click "Apply all decryption" > click "Save" when you are finished.

How to use Adobe Acrobat to decrypt

Before you skip this section altogether, let me tell you a little secret.

Most people think that to modify PDFs, they have to pay for a regular subscription to Adobe Acrobat Pro. However, this is not the case. If you want to use Adobe software to decrypt PDFs, you can do this using the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Here is how to decrypt PDFs using Acrobat Reader:

1. Download and launch Acrobat Reader on your Mac.
2. Open your PDF > Create a slender black rectangular shape in any graphics application.
3. In Acrobat, go to Tools > Fill and Signature.
4. Click "Sign Yourself" and "Add Signature".
5. Loading an image of a black rectangle.
6. Place the rectangle at the top of the text.

Tip: I would like to share my personal favorite long PDF tool - PDF Pals. You just enter your question and you can get instant answers from your AI assistant without having to work hard to read all the text. This is exactly what the PDF Pals application does. For example, you can ask it to summarize the introduction or find a list of references.

Finalize the deal: Decrypt and protect your PDF

As you can see, it only takes a few minutes to learn how to decrypt PDFs, but can save you dozens of hours (and a lot of money) in the future. Now you know how to decrypt PDFs using preview, Acrobat Reader and even online PDF decryption tools, but my personal advice is to get Nitro PDF Pro to meet all your PDF needs and use it with PDF Squeezer to maximize every PDF.

Best of all, both PDF Squeezer and Nitro PDF Pro are available for free for 7 days with the Setapp trial – a platform with over 250 great Mac and iOS apps covering a wide range of categories, from distraction-free writing to searching PDFs with AI (PDF Search). Try each Setapp application for free and see how we can change your digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to blackmail information on PDF Mac?

To blackmail information on a PDF on your Mac, you can use the built-in decryption tool in third-party applications such as the Preview app, Adobe Acrobat, or Nitro PDF Pro. These tools are usually found in the "Tools" section of the application.

How to erase text in PDF on Mac?

To erase text in a PDF, you can use the Rectangle Shape tool in the tag or the built-in decryption tool in the preview. Otherwise, Adobe Acrobat and third-party applications can also help you with the job.

How to whiten PDF on Mac?

To whiten the PDF, open your file in the preview application and use the Markup tool to create a rectangle. Set its fill color to white and place it over the text you want to paint white.

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