Minimum Software Version8.18.10
Solution(s)Cases International Cases US Institutions Counsel
Explains how to create and generate document redactions in Opus 2, including the available redaction methods, output options, and how redacted files are managed.


Document redaction in Opus 2 is an operator‑controlled feature and may not be available in all project templates. When enabled, redactions can be created on individual documents within the Document Viewer to permanently remove sensitive information from shared outputs.


Redactions are applied at the document level and cannot currently be created across multiple documents simultaneously. Once defined, users can generate redacted versions of a document using different processing methods, depending on accuracy and performance requirements.


Opening the worksheet

Redactions are created within the Document Viewer using one of the following methods:

1. Highlighting text or an area

  1. Open the document in the Document Viewer.
  2. Highlight the required content:
    • A line of text
    • A selected block of text
    • A general area of the document (for images, diagrams, or non‑text content)
  3. From the selection dialog, choose Redact (if enabled on the project).
  4. A redaction is created over the selected area, regardless of whether it contains text or non‑text content.

2. Redacting from the word index

  1. Open the word index in the left‑hand side panel of the Document Viewer.
  2. Locate the word you want to redact.
  3. Click the three‑dot menu next to the word.
  4. Select Redact to apply redactions to all occurrences of that word in the document.

3. Redacting using term search

  1. In the Find search box at the top of the word index panel, enter a term consisting of one or more words.
  2. If found, the term appears temporarily in the word index.
  3. Redact the term using the same process as single‑word index redaction.

Note:
Term searches are saved only for the current user session and are cleared when the page is refreshed or the user logs out.

Adjusting redaction areas

After creating redactions, they can be refined using the right‑hand panel in the Document Viewer. Depending on document type and formatting, adjustments may be required.

Redaction areas can be:

  • Moved up, down, left, or right
  • Expanded or reduced to improve coverage

This is particularly important for images, diagrams, or variable font text.

Generating a redacted document

Once redactions are applied, users can generate redacted document outputs using one of two methods:

1. Direct text manipulation

  • Creates a new PDF where redacted text is completely removed and replaced with black rectangles.
  • Preserves document quality and file size.
  • Preferred method where possible.

Limitations may include:

  • Overlapping redactions may remove nearby text unintentionally.
  • Vector‑rendered text (such as text‑based logos) may not be fully removed.

2. Rasterisation followed by OCR

  • Converts each page into an image and blacks out redacted areas.
  • OCR is then applied to recreate a searchable text layer.

Considerations:

  • Larger file sizes
  • Less crisp text rendering
  • OCR may introduce minor text recognition inaccuracies

This method is recommended when reliable redaction is required and direct text manipulation encounters issues.

Related Links


Ensure redaction is enabled in your project template before starting. Review and adjust redaction areas carefully before generating redacted outputs, and select the processing method that best fits your document type and accuracy requirements. Contact Opus 2 Support if you need assistance with redaction configuration or output options.