Pre-sharing PDF redaction checklist (12 items)

1. 1. Visible text deletedNot just covered with a black box: select all in a PDF reader, copy, and paste into Notepad. The sensitive content should not appear.
2. 2. Hidden text layer deletedScans often carry an invisible layer of OCR text. Searching for the sensitive words should find nothing.
3. 3. Scanned image pixels coveredThe text in the image needs to be painted over, not hidden under a shape placed on top.
4. 4. Document info and XMP metadata removedAuthor, title, creating software and modification time can all reveal information.
5. 5. Annotations, comments and forms removedComments often contain discussion, and form fields may contain filled-in values.
6. 6. Attachments and embedded files deletedA PDF can carry any attachment, and the reader may not show it.
7. 7. Scripts and actions deletedJavaScript and open actions have no reason to stay in a file you share.
8. 8. Bookmark and structure tag text checkedBookmark titles and accessibility tags may contain the original text.
9. 9. EXIF / XMP in embedded images removedPhotographed documents may record the camera, time and location.
10. 10. Earlier versions removedIncremental saves leave old versions inside the file, so the file must be rewritten as a whole.
11. 11. File name and properties checkedThe file name itself may contain a name or case number.
12. 12. Opened and checked on another computer or in another readerOpen it in a different environment to confirm it displays as expected.

EnjoyPDF secure redaction handles items 1–10 automatically and checks each type of residue after saving. Learn more →