BASALT · JOURNAL
Should you redact a PDF before archiving it?
Archives often need the authoritative original and a safer access copy. Redacting the only copy can destroy provenance; retaining only the original can expose sensitive information to ordinary readers.
Separate preservation from access
Keep the original under restricted access when it is part of the record. Create a redacted derivative for routine requests, public access, or broad internal use. Record the relationship between the two files and why the derivative exists.
Protect the archive package
Review metadata, attachments, comments, OCR, and revision information. Use stable identifiers and retention dates. Do not place the redaction log or sensitive mapping inside the access copy.
Verify and document
Compare page structure, search for removed values, inspect the rendered pages, and record the reviewer and date. Preserve both versions according to the applicable retention policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a redacted copy an archival original?
Usually it is a derivative access copy. Follow the organization’s records policy.
Should metadata be preserved in the original?
Preserve required provenance, but restrict access to the original and remove unnecessary metadata from the derivative.
Can an archive contain both files?
Yes, and separating their permissions is often safer than choosing one file for every audience.
Doing it in Basalt
Basalt creates local redacted derivatives and verifies them while leaving the controlled source unchanged. Download Basalt.
Redaction that proves itself
Basalt destroys the content you mark, then re-opens the file it wrote and proves the content is gone before it saves anything. Your documents never leave your Mac.