If you work with sensitive information on a Mac — whether you're sharing screenshots, redacting PDFs, or preparing documents for public release — you need a redaction tool you can trust. But with multiple options available, which one should you choose?
We compared the most popular Mac redaction tools based on what matters: whether they actually remove data (not just hide it), auto-detection capabilities, offline processing, and price.
What Makes a Redaction Tool "Good"?
Before looking at specific tools, here's what to evaluate:
- True redaction vs. visual overlay: Does the tool actually remove content from the file, or just draw shapes on top? This is the most critical distinction.
- Auto-detection: Can the tool automatically find sensitive data (emails, names, numbers), or do you have to manually select everything?
- Format support: Does it handle both images and PDFs?
- Offline processing: Does your data stay on your computer, or is it uploaded to a server?
- Batch processing: Can you process multiple files at once?
- Price: What does it cost relative to what you need?
1. BlurData
Best for: Automatic redaction of both images and PDFs, fully offline
BlurData is a macOS-native app built specifically for privacy redaction. Its main strength is automatic detection of sensitive data.
Key Features
- Auto-detection of 8 data types: emails, names, addresses, monetary amounts, account numbers, license plates, IP addresses, URLs
- True PDF redaction — content removed from file structure, not just covered
- Image redaction — auto-blur for JPG and PNG screenshots
- Custom regex patterns — define your own detection rules
- Batch processing — multiple files at once
- 100% offline — files never leave your Mac (internet only for license check)
- Drag and drop — import files by dropping them into the app
Pricing
$39/year with 7-day free trial. Lifetime license also available.
Requirements
macOS 13 or later.
Best For
Anyone who regularly needs to redact screenshots or PDFs and wants automatic detection to avoid missing sensitive data. Particularly useful for professionals handling customer data, legal documents, or compliance-sensitive content.
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro
Best for: Enterprise PDF workflows with full editing capabilities
Adobe Acrobat Pro is the industry standard for PDF editing, and it includes dedicated redaction tools.
Key Features
- Dedicated Redact tool with "Mark for Redaction" + "Apply Redactions" workflow
- Search-and-redact by keyword or pattern
- "Remove Hidden Information" tool for metadata cleanup
- Full PDF editing, signing, form creation, and more
Pricing
~$240/year (Acrobat Pro subscription).
Limitations
- Expensive — you're paying for a full PDF suite, not just redaction
- Complex interface with a learning curve
- Doesn't handle image (JPG/PNG) redaction
- Auto-detection is limited compared to specialized tools
Best For
Organizations that already use Adobe Acrobat and need redaction as part of a broader PDF workflow.
3. macOS Preview
Best for: Quick, free, basic PDF redaction
Starting with macOS Sonoma, Preview includes a built-in redaction tool for PDFs.
Key Features
- True redaction — removes text from PDF structure
- Free, built into macOS
- Simple interface
Limitations
- Manual only — no auto-detection
- No batch processing
- No image blur/redaction (only colored shapes)
- No regex or custom patterns
- Requires macOS Sonoma or later
Best For
Occasional redaction of short PDFs where you know exactly what needs to be removed.
4. CleanShot X
Best for: Screenshot capture and annotation with blur
CleanShot X is a popular Mac screenshot tool that includes blur and pixelate features for hiding information in screenshots.
Key Features
- Screenshot capture with annotation
- Blur and pixelate tools for hiding areas
- Screen recording
- Cloud upload for sharing
Pricing
$29 one-time (basic) or subscription for cloud features.
Limitations
- Manual blur only — no auto-detection of sensitive data
- No PDF support
- Not designed specifically for privacy/redaction
- No batch processing for redaction
Best For
Users who primarily need a great screenshot tool and occasionally need to blur something manually.
5. Shottr
Best for: Free screenshot tool with basic pixelation
Shottr is a lightweight, free screenshot app for Mac with built-in pixelation features.
Key Features
- Free screenshot capture
- Pixelate tool for hiding areas
- OCR text recognition from screenshots
- Lightweight and fast
Limitations
Best For
Users who want a free, fast screenshot tool and don't need automatic redaction.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Price | Auto-Detect | PDFs | Images | Offline | Batch |
|---|
| BlurData | $39/yr | Yes (8 types) | True redaction | Auto-blur | Yes | Yes |
| Acrobat Pro | $240/yr | Limited | True redaction | No | Yes | Yes |
| Preview | Free | No | True redaction | Shapes only | Yes | No |
| CleanShot X | $29 | No | No | Blur/Pixelate | Yes | No |
| Shottr | Free | No | No | Pixelate | Yes | No |
Our Recommendation
There's no single "best" tool — it depends on your workflow:
- If you need a free, basic solution: macOS Preview handles simple PDF redaction, and Shottr covers screenshot pixelation.
- If you regularly handle sensitive data in both images and PDFs: BlurData is the most focused solution. Auto-detection catches what manual scanning misses, and offline processing means your files never leave your Mac.
- If you already use Adobe Acrobat: Acrobat Pro's redaction tools are solid, but at $240/year, they only make sense if you need the full PDF editing suite.
- If you mainly need a screenshot tool: CleanShot X is excellent for capture and annotation, with manual blur as a bonus feature.
Whatever you choose, make sure your tool performs true redaction on PDFs — not just visual overlays. The difference between covering data and removing it is the difference between privacy and a data breach.
