Redaction problems are usually related to file format conversion, keyword search on scanned documents, or confusion about which file version you're viewing. This page covers common redaction issues and their fixes.
Redaction tools not available or not applying
If you can't apply redactions to a file, or the redaction tools aren't available, check the following:
- Non-PDF files need preparation first. Files not in PDF format must be converted using the "Prepare for Redaction" option in the file menu. This creates a redactable version. See the non-PDF redaction guide for details.
- Click Apply after drawing redactions. Drawing a redaction box or selecting text marks the area, but the redaction isn't permanent until you click "Apply." Make sure you've confirmed the redaction.
- Check processing status. Files still processing can't be redacted. Wait for processing to finish before attempting redaction.
Keyword redaction search finds no matches on scanned documents
When running a keyword search for redaction on scanned documents, Hintyr uses AI-powered text detection to identify text in the scan. If no matches appear, consider the following:
- Scan quality may be too low. Very low-resolution scans, faded text, or handwritten content may not be recognized accurately. Poor scan quality limits text detection accuracy.
- Try a different keyword. Text detection may interpret characters differently. Try variations of your search term or a broader keyword.
- Use manual box redaction. If keyword search can't find the text, draw redaction boxes over the sensitive content manually. This works regardless of text recognition quality.
Viewing the wrong version of a redacted file
The document viewer always shows the most current version of a file. If both redactions and Bates stamps have been applied, the viewer shows the fully stamped and redacted version. To see or restore an earlier version:
- Use the Revert menu. The Revert menu lets you selectively remove redactions or Bates stamps to return the file to an earlier state.
- Check the stamped view toggle. The viewer may be showing the stamped view. Check the view options to toggle between the original and stamped versions.
- Understand the version order. Modifications are applied in layers: first redactions, then Bates stamps. Reverting Bates stamps returns you to the redacted version. Reverting redactions returns you to the original.
Frequently asked questions
Are redactions permanent?
You can revert redactions before the document is exported. Once included in a production export, the exported copy has redactions permanently burned in. The original file in Hintyr can still be reverted.
Can I redact across multiple files at once?
Yes. Hintyr supports batch redaction, which lets you apply keyword-based redactions across all files in a tag or the entire case. See the batch redaction documentation for details.
Why does my redaction appear as a black box instead of white?
The redaction color is configurable in the redaction settings. Black is the default. You can change it to white or another color depending on your production requirements.