1. Introduction
2. When to use Non-searchable PDF (image-based)
3. When to use Searchable PDF (selectable text)

Introduction

When PDF Redact removes sensitive data from your PDF, it can save the redacted file in two formats. You choose the format with the Output PDF format option in the redaction wizard:

1. Non-searchable PDF (image-based): Each page becomes an image. Text cannot be selected, copied, searched, or edited. Choose this if you want to stop others from copying your text, editing your content, or taking your IP.
2. Searchable PDF (selectable text): The text layer stays. The remaining text can be searched, selected, copied, and edited. Choose this if you only want the redacted data removed and want the rest to work like a normal PDF.

Important: In both formats, the redacted data is permanently deleted. It is not just covered with a black box. It is not visible, not searchable, and cannot be recovered by copying, using OCR, or checking the PDF’s internal code.

Here is where you choose the format in the wizard:

Your choice is saved, so the same format will be pre-selected next time. You can also set your default on the Settings page (click Modify advanced options in the wizard):

Note about scanned PDFs: A scanned PDF (also called a flat or image-only PDF) has no text layer—only pictures. Because there is no text to keep, PDF Redact will always output scanned PDFs as non-searchable, even if you pick searchable. Your document is still fully redacted.

When to use Non-searchable PDF (image-based)

Pick this format when protecting your content matters more than easy editing. Examples:

1. Sending a business proposal: A marketing agency sends a proposal with pricing, timelines, and scope. They redact internal costs and choose non-searchable. The client can read it, but cannot copy the plan and paste it elsewhere. The agency’s know-how stays protected.
2. Legal document production: A law firm shares documents in discovery. They redact privileged content and export as non-searchable. No one can quietly edit wording or bulk-copy text. What is produced is what everyone sees.
3. Publishing public records: A city posts records online. Personal data is redacted, and the non-searchable format blocks scrapers from harvesting the remaining text for spam or data brokers.

When to use Searchable PDF (selectable text)

Pick this format when the recipient needs to work with the text. Examples:

1. Sharing medical records with researchers: A hospital shares many patient records. Names, birth dates, and record numbers are redacted. Because the files are searchable, researchers can find terms like diagnoses or meds across hundreds of pages fast.
2. Sending financials to an auditor: An accountant sends redacted statements. SSNs and bank numbers are removed. The auditor can still search for amounts, copy figures, and move fast between sections. The audit is much quicker.
3. Creating a searchable archive: A company stores redacted contracts in a shared Google Drive. Since the PDFs keep their text layer, Drive can index them. Teammates can later find a contract by searching for a customer or project name.

Still not sure? Use the non-searchable format. It gives the strongest protection, and you can always redact again as searchable later.