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How to Verify a PDF Was Properly Redacted
A simple verification routine: search/copy tests, spot checks, and keeping a verification report for review.
Important: PermanentRedaction permanently removes text from text-based PDFs. Scanned/image-only PDFs are not supported.
Quick notes
Tip: Many PDF editors can only mask text with black rectangles. Masking is not the same as permanently deleting text from the PDF layer.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Open the exported PDF (not the original).
Step 2
Search for known sensitive strings you redacted (names, IDs, account numbers).
Step 3
Try copying/pasting around redacted areas to confirm text is not present.
Step 4
Review the verification report and keep it with the case/file for internal review.
Common mistakes to avoid
Verifying the wrong file
Always verify the exported final PDF, not the source document.
Skipping copy/paste tests
Search alone can miss edge cases; test both.
FAQ
Can PDF encoding affect appearance?
Yes. Text encoding can cause partial-word matching or visual differences. Verification should include search/copy tests and review.