How to Tag Redacted Text (Desktop and Advanced Editor)

Overview

Redacted text in a PDF has been intentionally and permanently removed from the document and replaced with a solid black rectangle. Unlike content that has simply been covered or obscured, properly redacted text no longer exists within the document.

Although sighted users can recognize that information has been redacted by seeing the black rectangles, assistive technology users need equivalent access to that information. For this reason, each redaction rectangle should be tagged as a Figure and provided with appropriate alternative text that informs the user that content has been redacted. If the organization uses redaction codes or other identifiers to explain the reason for the redaction, those details should also be included in the alternative text.

Prerequisites 

Use this approach when:

• Redacted information is represented by one or more black rectangles in the physical view and either a Path or XObject in the tags tree.
• The redactions convey meaningful information that users should know exists.

Before beginning:

• Verify that the document has been properly redacted and the underlying content has been permanently removed.
• Confirm whether your organization requires redaction codes or explanatory text to accompany the redacted content.

Steps to Follow

1. Locate the Redacted Content

Identify each black rectangle representing redacted content within the document.

Confirm that the redaction has been permanently applied and is not simply an annotation or graphical overlay hiding the original text.

2. Tag the Surrounding Text

Tag the paragraph or surrounding text normally, including the location where the redacted content appears.

The redaction should remain in its proper reading order within the surrounding content.

3. Tag Each Redaction Rectangle as a Figure

Because each black rectangle conveys meaningful information, place each redaction rectangle into its own Figure tag.

This ensures assistive technology recognizes the presence of the redacted content.

4. Add Alternative Text

Assign appropriate alternative text to each Figure tag.

For most documents, a simple description such as:

Redacted text

is sufficient to inform screen reader users that information has intentionally been removed.

5. Include Redaction Codes When Applicable

Some organizations include codes or descriptions that explain why information was redacted.

If required, include those details in the alternative text.

For example:

• Redacted text (Privacy Exemption A)
• Redacted text (Confidential Information)
• Redacted text (Personal Identifier Removed)

Ensure the alternative text communicates any information that is available visually to sighted users.

6. Verify the Reading Order

Confirm that each Figure tag appears in the correct reading order alongside the surrounding text so screen reader users encounter the redaction at the appropriate point in the document.

Screenshots

The following screen shot contains three text redactions shown as solid black rectangles covering specific content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a redaction rectangle be tagged as a Figure?

Although it appears as a simple black rectangle, it communicates meaningful information—that content has been intentionally removed. Tagging it as a Figure allows assistive technology users to receive the same information.

What alternative text should be used for a redaction?

For most documents, alternative text such as "Redacted text" is appropriate. If your organization uses redaction codes or explanatory labels, those should also be included.

Should the surrounding paragraph still be tagged as text?

Yes. The surrounding text should be tagged normally, with the redaction Figure inserted into the correct location within the reading order.

Do I need a separate Figure tag for each redaction?

Yes. Each redaction rectangle that represents meaningful information should have its own Figure tag and appropriate alternative text.

What if the document includes redaction codes?

If the document visually identifies the reason for the redaction using codes or descriptions, include that information in the Figure's alternative text so assistive technology users receive the same context.

How can I verify that the document has been properly redacted?

Proper redaction permanently removes the underlying content from the PDF. If the original text can still be copied, searched, or revealed, the document has not been securely redacted and should be corrected before remediation is complete.

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