From source document to reviewed distribution copy
Choose the result you need before selecting a tool. A searchable PDF, a marked-up PDF and a batch-redacted PDF contain different information.
1. Keep the original separate
Use a copy for processing and decide which information your recipient should see. Check whether the pages contain selectable text, scanned images or both. Start with a representative sample, especially for poor-quality scans.
2. Select the right workflow
Use batch identifier redaction for supported patterns. Use Make PDF searchable when you need selectable text from a printed English scan. The manual viewer is for visual marks and retains underlying source content. Image conversion and PDF utilities prepare documents but do not by themselves remove sensitive information.
3. Process locally
The document work runs in the browser or installed Windows app. Select the batch rules, review metadata settings and wait for each file to finish. A failed file is not a completed redaction. Your device’s memory and storage affect practical capacity.
4. Inspect the exported file
Open it in a separate reader, inspect every page and try searching for known identifiers. For batch exports, check that no source text remains selectable. Verify visible contextual information, filenames and document properties.
5. Share and clean up deliberately
Send the reviewed copy rather than the original. Clear the batch queue when finished, and manage downloads and backups separately. Enterprise reports can support your processing record, but they do not replace this review.