How to redact multiple PDFs at once

The short answer

Select up to 20 files at once in Redact PDF. They open together, details are highlighted on each, and when you're done you choose how to download: one combined PDF, or a ZIP of PNG images. Everything runs in your browser.

Step by step

1. Open Redact PDF and select or drag in several files at once. PDFs, PNG, JPG and WebP can be mixed.
2. Enter passwords for any protected PDFs when asked.
3. Go through each file and accept or reject the highlights: emails, phone numbers, account and card numbers, ID numbers, and labelled names and addresses.
4. Use Find and redact for names or reference numbers that repeat, and draw boxes over anything else.
5. Export and pick one PDF or a ZIP of PNGs.
6. Review any flags from the final OCR check before the download starts.

One PDF or a ZIP?

Either way, pages are rebuilt from pixels, so text under boxes is gone and metadata is removed.

If the recipient's portal accepts only one file per document, the ZIP is usually easier: extract it and upload each page. If they asked for a single PDF, the combined export saves you merging files afterwards.

When batch mode saves the most time

Batching helps most when the files share a pattern: monthly statements, payslips, invoices for one client, or a pile of phone photos of forms. The same kinds of details turn up in the same places, so reviewing them one after another is quick, and you send one tidy result instead of a string of attachments.

It helps less when every file is different and needs careful reading, such as a set of court exhibits. Those are still fine in a batch, but give each one the same attention you would on its own.

Limits and tips

• Up to 20 files per batch, each up to 50 pages and 25 MB.
• Large batches use a lot of memory. On a phone, smaller batches are more reliable.
• Check every file, not just the first. Layouts vary even between statements from the same bank.
• Word and Excel files need exporting to PDF first.

Redacting bank statements for a loan or visa? The bank statement template and bank statement for visa: what to hide help you keep what's needed visible.