1. What is the difference between the Free and Pro versions?

The Free version lets you redact PDF files with up to 3 pages. The Pro version removes this limit — you can redact PDF files of any size. Both versions use the same structural redaction engine and process files locally on your computer.

2. Is the redaction really permanent? Can someone recover the removed text?

Yes, the redaction is permanent. Adolix PDF Redactor removes the content from the PDF content stream — the text no longer exists in the file after redaction. This is different from tools that simply draw a black rectangle on top of the text, which can be removed to reveal the original content. With Adolix PDF Redactor, there is nothing left to uncover.

3. My PDF has scanned pages (images). Will redaction work?

Adolix PDF Redactor works on text-based PDFs — documents where the text exists as searchable content in the file. If your PDF consists of scanned pages (raster images), the redaction tool will cover the selected area with a black box, but there is no text content stream to remove. For maximum security on scanned documents, we recommend also using the metadata stripping option.

4. I purchased the Pro version. Where do I enter my license key?

After installation, launch Adolix PDF Redactor Pro — the activation dialog will appear automatically. Enter your name and the license key you received by email, then click Activate. An internet connection is required for activation. If you have trouble activating, please contact us.

5. Why should I use a local tool instead of an online redaction service?

Online redaction tools require uploading your PDF to a third-party server. For sensitive documents — legal contracts, medical records, HR files — this creates a privacy risk: you are sharing confidential content with an external service. Adolix PDF Redactor processes everything locally on your computer. Your files never leave your machine.

6. Can Adolix PDF Redactor open encrypted PDF files?

Adolix PDF Redactor cannot process encrypted PDF files. Some PDFs are encrypted for rights management or security purposes — this is a property of the file itself, independent of whether it requires a password to open.

To work around this, convert the file to a plain, unencrypted PDF using Google Chrome: open the PDF in Chrome, go to File → Print, and choose Save as PDF as the destination. The saved file will not be encrypted and can be redacted normally.