#Redacted example pdf#
#Redacted example full#
#Redacted example software#

Example: Replace all instances of ' John Wilkes Booth' with ' ', ' JWB' or whatever you deem fit. In your original Word document, replace all the text you wish redacted with the word, and/or do a FIND AND REPLACE of all the text you wish redacted. Here's how (we will assume for these instructions that you are using Microsoft Word, the same instructions work for WordPerfect, WordStar, etc.): This format can only save basic text info ( ASCII) so if it's in Notepad, 'what you see is what you get', and nothing more. Notepad cannot save any hidden code, since it only uses simple-text (.txt) format. One way is to use a simple-text editor (such as Windows Notepad : Start>Programs>Accessories>Notepad) to create the final redacted version of the document. Redacting a Word-Processing File ( short version below) : The best way to redact your document is to make sure that the source contains no unwanted text or data to begin with.

#Redacted example software#

There are a number of consulting and software resources which specialize in redaction of data if you need further information, but we do offer some examples of ways to ensure that your documents may be redacted as you intended:

The court does not profess to be experts on file metadata, and we do not endorse any specific method to 'sanitize' a document. Especially if that same data repeats a number of times across a document. Ink-marking or using semi-translucent tape or paper to cover areas of a document to be scanned can still sometimes show enough information for someone to see what was assumed hidden. The edits these tools make can still be removed by anyone to reveal the text underneath.

#Redacted example full#

This is a useful tool for tracking revisions, but if this information is not purged from the document, anyone can view this information, even after it has been converted to PDF.Īdobe Acrobat (the full version) has some graphic and 'commenting' tools which can black-out, cover over or remove sections of text. This metadata can reveal anything that was contained in the file at any time, even text that was previously deleted or changed, and even if the file was re-saved. Lincoln said that John Wilkes Booth shot her husband.Īll word-processing programs (such as Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, WordStar, etc.) retain a lot of hidden code (called 'metadata') that can contain revision history and other information.

Below is a partial list of methods NOT to use:Ĭhanging the font to white does make it look like the words disappear, but they don't! Highlight (click & drag your mouse over) the sentence below to see what can happen with this method (the words are really there): A common error in redacting information is to use the wrong method to redact the electronic file.

#Redacted example pdf#

E-filers must use extra care to make sure that the PDF documents to be submitted to ECF are fully and completely free of any hidden data which may contain redacted information. In compliance with the policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States and the EGovernment Act of 2002 (PL 107-347), parties should refrain from including, or must redact where inclusion is necessary, all Social Security numbers, names of minor children, dates of birth and financial account numbers.