How To Remove Blacked Out Text: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever come across a document or image with certain parts blacked out, and you wonder what’s underneath? Blacked out text can be frustrating, especially if it’s an important piece of information you need. But the good news is, there are ways to remove blacked out text and reveal what’s beneath. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tools to help you remove blacked out text.
1. Check Document Properties
Before trying to remove blacked out text, it’s important to check the properties of the document or image. Some documents have been intentionally protected, and attempting to remove blacked out text may result in altering or corrupting the document. Look for security settings, permissions, and any watermarks that may have been added to the document.
2. Use Adobe Acrobat Pro
Image Source: gadgethacks.com
If the document is a PDF, Adobe Acrobat Pro is a reliable tool for removing blacked out text. Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro, click on “Tools” on the right-hand side of the screen, and select “Redact”. Select the blacked out text, right-click, and click “Remove”. Save the document once you’ve removed all the blacked out text.
3. Try Unredactor
Unredactor is a tool designed specifically for removing blacked out text in documents. Simply upload the document to Unredactor, and it will use AI technology to remove the blacked out text and reveal what’s underneath. However, be aware that Unredactor is not always 100% accurate, and it may not be able to remove certain types of redactions.
4. Use Photoshop
Image Source: ytimg.com
If the blacked out text is on an image, Photoshop is a great tool for removing it. Open the image in Photoshop, select the “Clone Stamp” tool, and adjust the size and hardness to fit the blacked out text. Hold down the “Alt” key and click on an area next to the blacked out text to clone that area. Then, carefully paint over the blacked out text with the cloned area.
5. Try Redax
Redax is a plugin for Adobe Acrobat Pro that allows you to remove redactions with ease. Install Redax and open the PDF in Acrobat Pro. Click on “Redax” on the right-hand side of the screen, select “Mark Redactions”, and select the blacked out text. Click “Apply” to remove the redaction.
6. Use Microsoft Word
Image Source: gadgethacks.com
If the blacked out text is in a Word document, you can try removing it by highlighting the blacked out text, right-clicking, and selecting “Font”. In the “Font” menu, select “Hidden” under the “Effects” tab. This will make the blacked out text invisible, but it will still be present in the document. To reveal the text, select the hidden text, right-click, and select “Font” again. Then, uncheck “Hidden” in the “Effects” tab.
7. Try PDF Redaction Tool
PDF Redaction Tool is a free online tool that allows you to easily remove redactions in PDF documents. Simply upload the document to PDF Redaction Tool, select the blacked out text, and click “Apply”. The blacked out text will be removed, and you can save the document.
8. Use GIMP
GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that can also be used to remove blacked out text. Open the image in GIMP, select the “Clone Tool”, and adjust the size and hardness. Hold down the “Ctrl” key and click on an area next to the blacked out text to clone that area. Then, carefully paint over the blacked out text with the cloned area.
9. Try Redaction Assistant
Redaction Assistant is a plugin for Microsoft Word that allows you to easily remove redactions in Word documents. Install Redaction Assistant and open the Word document. Click on “Redaction Assistant” on the toolbar, select the blacked out text, and click “Remove Redaction”. Save the document once all the redactions have been removed.
10. Use Inkscape
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can also be used to remove blacked out text. Open the image in Inkscape, select the “Clone Tool”, and adjust the size and hardness. Hold down the “Ctrl” key and click on an area next to the blacked out text to clone that area. Then, carefully paint over the blacked out text with the cloned area.
11. Try Redact-it Desktop
Redact-it Desktop is a paid software that allows you to easily remove redactions in PDF documents. Install Redact-it Desktop, open the PDF in the software, select the blacked out text, and click “Remove”. Save the document once all the redactions have been removed.
FAQs
1. Is it legal to remove blacked out text?
It depends on the context. If the blacked out text contains sensitive or classified information, removing it may be illegal. Always check the properties of the document or image and consult with legal experts before attempting to remove blacked out text.
2. Can I use online tools to remove blacked out text?
Yes, there are various online tools available for removing blacked out text, such as Unredactor and PDF Redaction Tool. However, be aware that these tools may not be 100% accurate, and it’s always best to check the properties of the document or image before attempting to remove redactions.
3. Can I use the same method to remove blacked out text on both PDFs and images?
No, the methods for removing blacked out text on PDFs and images are different. For PDFs, you can use Adobe Acrobat Pro or Redax, while for images, you can use Photoshop, GIMP, or Inkscape.
4. Can I remove only part of the blacked out text?
Yes, you can select and remove only certain parts of the blacked out text using most of the methods mentioned in this article.
5. What should I do if the blacked out text cannot be removed?
If the blacked out text cannot be removed, it may be intentionally protected or may require legal clearance to reveal. Consult with legal experts or the owner of the document or image to determine the best course of action.
Conclusion
Removing blacked out text can be a tricky process, but with the right tools and methods, it’s definitely possible. Always remember to check the properties of the document or image before attempting to remove redactions, and consult with legal experts if necessary. Try different methods and tools to find the one that works best for your specific situation, and always save a copy of the original document or image before making any changes.
