PDF White Out – Erase Text or Images from PDF Online

How To White Out a PDF Online for Free

Follow these steps to white out text in a PDF using the Smallpdf Editor:

1. Drag and drop a PDF into the Edit PDF tool.
2. Click the square icon to get started and choose “Rectangle.”
3. Place and adjust the box size to cover the content.
4. Change the fill and border color to white.
5. Hit “Download” and save your edited PDF!

What Does It Mean To White Out a PDF?

Whiting out a PDF is the digital version of using correction tape. You’re not deleting content; you’re putting a white box over text or images to hide them from view. It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require converting or reformatting the file.

It works well for covering up private details, fixing mistakes, or removing visual clutter. Just a heads-up: whiteout only hides what’s underneath, it doesn’t delete it, so it’s better to only use it when true deletion isn’t needed.

Can I Edit Text on Top of the Whitened Out Content?

Of course! But it’s much easier than what you might remember from grade school—waiting for the liquid white-out to dry so you can try to write over it. You can use the same editing tool to add new text and instantly place it directly on top of the white-out box. Other than the redaction tool in white and the option to add text, you can also insert drawings and images into your PDF file.

Does Whiteout Actually Erase the Content?

Not permanently. Whiteout is a visual solution; it hides the content but doesn’t delete it. That means someone could still select or copy the hidden text if they try hard enough.

To prevent this, we recommend flattening the file.

This turns all visible elements into a single layer, making it much harder for anyone to uncover what was originally there. You can do this by using the Flatten PDF tool after editing, which effectively locks in the changes. For cases where you truly need to remove information (like personal IDs or legal data) Redact PDF is the better option.

How To Check If the Whiteout Worked

Before you share your document, it’s a good idea to double-check your edits. Try selecting the area you covered. If the original content can still be highlighted even when you can’t see it, it’s still in the file.

You can also press Ctrl+A (or ⌘+A on Mac) to “Select All” and then copy everything into a blank Word or text file. If any hidden content shows up there, go back and flatten the PDF before sending it to others.

Is This PDF White Out Tool Free To Use?

Yes, it’s completely free for occasional use. You can access the Smallpdf Editor in your browser without installing anything or creating an account. Your files are protected by TLS encryption, and we delete them automatically after one hour of inactivity.

If you need more advanced features, a Pro subscription unlocks other features like OCR for scanned files and batch processing. And you can try it out with a 7-day free trial. But for everyday whiteout jobs, the free version has you covered.

Can I White Out a PDF on Mac, Windows, or Mobile?

You can white out a PDF on just about any device. On Mac and Windows, open your browser and visit Smallpdf, no downloads needed. If you’re on a mobile device, the Smallpdf app supports basic editing tools, including whiteout, for both Android and iOS.

This makes it easy to quickly fix a document whether you’re working from your laptop at home or reviewing something on your phone during your commute.

Bonus Tips for a Cleaner Whiteout

To keep your workflow smooth and your documents organized, it’s a good idea to save multiple versions of your file. Keep an “Original,” a “Whiteout,” and a final version labeled “Approved” or “Shared” so you can easily track changes or revert if needed.

You can also mix tools to get better results. For example, convert the PDF to Word if you have to edit the document in Microsoft Word, then return to PDF when you’re done. And if you’re working across devices, cloud imports and exports help you stay in sync.

Answers to Your PDF White Out Questions

Can people still see what I’ve hidden with whiteout?

They shouldn’t be able to, but if the file isn’t flattened, someone could still highlight or copy that hidden text. To be safe, flatten the file first. That way, everything gets locked in.

Is whiteout the same as redaction?

Not quite. Whiteout is just covering the original text, but it’s still underneath. Redaction, on the other hand, removes the content entirely from the PDF file. If you’re working with confidential or sensitive info, true redaction is the safer option.

Can I white out an image, not just text?

Yes, absolutely. The rectangle tool works on any part of the PDF. You can cover logos, signatures, or even white out images. Just make sure the box fully covers what you want hidden.

What if I need to remove the content completely instead of just covering it?

For full control, you can use the PDF to Word tool to convert the document into an editable file. From there, you can delete, rewrite, or reorganize the content before converting it back into a clean PDF. Alternatively, Smallpdf Pro lets you delete PDF text directly in the Editor.

White out what you need, keep what matters, and share with confidence; right in your browser.