How to White Out on PDF Documents
In the digital age, the ability to manipulate documents efficiently is indispensable. Whether you're correcting errors, protecting sensitive information, or enhancing readability, knowing how to white out content on a PDF can be a valuable skill.
In this guide, we'll explore an easy way to remove text from PDFs, hide images, and redact other content, empowering you to manage your documents with precision and security.
What is PDF white out?
White out on a PDF refers to covering or hiding text and other elements on the page. The process is similar to using correction fluid on paper documents.
It involves using tools to erase text in a PDF and cover images or other elements with a white overlay, effectively hiding the content without permanently deleting it.
White outing allows users to make selective edits to PDFs while maintaining the overall integrity and appearance of the document.
How to white out content on PDF on Windows?
Icecream PDF Editor is an intuitive PDF editing software that empowers users to edit documents effortlessly. Among its array of features, the free PDF editor allows you to strategically erase PDF text and images by covering them with a white overlay.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to employ it to white out text in PDF.
1. Install the PDF editor
Go to the official website and download the free PDF editing software for Windows. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program on your computer.
2. Import the files
Launch the free PDF editor from your desktop shortcut or start menu. Click "Open", go to the location of your document, select it, and add to the PDF editor.
3. Find the page
Use the navigation pane on the right side of PDF software to browse through the document pages. Locate the page with the text or images you want to white out on PDF.
4. Use PDF white out
In the toolbar on the left, look for the "Add rectangle" option. Set the stroke size to 0.0 points and select white for the filling. Make sure the opacity is set to 100%.
If the pages in your document are not white, you can click the rainbow icon below the color options and select screen color. This way the overlay will blend in with the background.
Click and drag the mouse over the area you wish to obscure. An overlay will appear, covering the selected content. Release the mouse button to finish applying the white out in PDF.
Repeat this process for any other areas you want to cover.
5. Save the changes
Carefully review the edited document to ensure that all intended text and images are effectively covered.
Zoom in and out to check for any areas that may have been missed.
If everything looks good, click "File" in the top menu. Select "Save" to overwrite the existing file with your changes. You can also choose "Save As" to create a new version of the document.
In the "Save As" dialog box, choose a location to export the file, enter a new name if desired, and click "Save".
Advantages of using this PDF editor:
- An intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface simplifies the PDF editing process for users of all experience levels.
- The ability to adjust the size of the white out area allows for precise coverage of text and images.
- Users can zoom in to make detailed edits, ensuring that only the intended content is obscured.
- The program offers a wide range of PDF editing tools including text editing, annotation, drawing, adding stamps, and more.
- The free PDF editor maintains the integrity and formatting of the original document even after changes are made.
How to white out on a PDF online?
SmallPDF is a powerful, web-based PDF editing tool known for its simplicity, versatility, and user-friendly interface. The service offers a comprehensive suite of features that make it an excellent choice for managing documents, including the ability to white out text in PDFs.
How to remove text from PDF using this platform:
- Open your web browser, go to the SmallPDF website, and locate the PDF editor.
- Drag and drop your document into the designated area or click "Choose Files" to upload from your device.
- Select the "Shapes" option (square icon) from the toolbar.
- Choose the rectangle shape and drag your mouse to draw the overlay on the desired area. Set the background and outline color to white.
- After you've finished, save the edited PDF to your device by clicking the "Download" button.
Pros:
- There's no need to download or install any PDF editing software that makes the process easily accessible from any device with an internet connection.
- Includes tools for annotating, compressing, merging, splitting, and converting PDFs.
- Files are automatically deleted from servers after one hour, protecting your privacy.
Cons:
- Editing PDF text required a paid subscription, which might be a consideration for users who are on the budget.
FAQ
- Is PDF white out the same as redacting?
- No, white out covers text or elements with a white box. Redacting permanently removes sensitive information and replaces it with a black or colored box.
- Can I batch white out multiple PDFs?
- Most PDF editors do not support batch white out. You would need to process each document individually.
- Does white out on PDFs affect the text searchability?
- Whiting out text does not remove it from the document, so the content remains searchable.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of how to white out on PDFs opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you're safeguarding confidential information, refining presentations, or simply correcting mistakes, the ability to seamlessly delete text from PDFs and remove images enhances both productivity and professionalism.
Remember, precision and discretion are key when modifying documents. Use the methods described in this article to ensure that your edits are seamlessly integrated while maintaining the file integrity.
Expert Tech Writer
