Create redaction codes and code sets in Acrobat Pro

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to create custom redaction codes for document sanitization in Adobe Acrobat.

Redaction codes are a type of overlay text that consists of predefined entries organized into code sets. Acrobat offers built-in code sets for U.S. FOIA and U.S. Privacy Act compliance. You can also create your own custom codes or text. Each code set can include multiple individual codes, giving you flexibility in how you apply them to your documents.

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Try it in the app
Remove sensitive content and hidden data from your PDFs in a few simple steps.

Select All tools > Redact a PDF.

Select Set properties.

In the dialog box that opens, select Use Overlay Text, and then select Redaction Code.

To add a redaction code set, select Edit Codes > Add Set.

Rename the created set and then select OK.

To add code entries to the created redaction code, select an entry from the Code Entries list and select Add Selected Entry.

To remove a code entry from a redaction code, select the code, and then select Remove Selected Entry.

Select OK.