Redacta
Redacta: A free, open-source browser tool for natural-language PDF redaction. Ranked #24 of 27 in Document Redaction Software by our editors (5.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free natural-language PDF redaction.
At a glance
- Editor score5.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree natural-language PDF redaction
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- DeploymentCloud
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Plain-language instructions for redaction and pseudonymisation
- Client-side processing with WebAssembly and preserved PDF layout
- Detects PII, sensitive images, and embedded image content
Where it doesn't
- Supports PDF input rather than a broader range of document formats
- AI-provider API costs may apply when using Gemini or OpenAI
- Bringing an API key adds setup responsibility for AI-assisted workflows
Our verdict on Redacta
Redacta is a free, open-source web tool for removing or replacing sensitive information in PDF documents. It is aimed at individuals and teams that need browser-based redaction without signup, installation, subscriptions, or watermarks. Users describe what to remove in natural language, while AI helps identify personally identifiable information, matching text, and sensitive images. The tool supports permanent text redaction, pseudonymisation with fictional replacements, and a side-by-side viewer for comparing the original and redacted documents.
The product’s strongest fit is its focused redaction workflow. PDF formatting and layout are preserved, and embedded images can be detected and redacted alongside text. Processing runs client-side in the browser through WebAssembly, which suits users who want document handling to occur locally rather than sending the PDF itself through a conventional hosted processing workflow. Redacta also supports Google Gemini and OpenAI through a bring-your-own-key model, giving users a choice of supported AI providers while keeping the product free to access.
The free model is straightforward, but AI-assisted use can introduce separate costs from the selected provider. Bringing a Gemini or OpenAI API key also makes provider configuration part of the workflow. Redacta is therefore a strong choice for free, natural-language PDF redaction with layout preservation, image handling, and pseudonymisation. It is less suited to teams looking for a broader document-processing platform beyond PDF or wanting AI usage managed without their own provider account and billing.
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Redacta pricing
Redacta fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| OCR redaction | Not verified |
| Automated detection | Yes |
| Batch processing | Not verified |
| Audit trail | Not verified |
| Input formats | |
| Maximum file size | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Google Gemini, OpenAI |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | redacta.khattar.dev |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Redacta integrations
Redacta lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Google Gemini
- OpenAI
Alternatives to Redacta
- PhilterFlexible redaction with OCR, policy controls, batch workflows, and auditable self-hosting.8.8
- CaseGuardA broad Windows redaction suite for teams processing sensitive documents and media.8.4
- RedactLawA legal-focused redaction tool with strong review, audit, and workflow controls.7.9
See all Redacta alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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