Crop PDF Pages
Crop PDF Pages sets x=left, y=bottom, width, and height on every page's CropBox. Defaults are 0,0,500,700 points, and zero values fall back for width/height. Cropping changes the displayed/printed region; it does not delete content outside the box, so it is unsafe as redaction or privacy removal.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceDoes PDF cropping erase hidden content outside the crop?
No. It changes the viewing boundary while underlying page content can remain recoverable.
CropBox defines a visible page region
Default PDF coordinates begin at the lower-left, with x increasing right and y increasing upward. A crop rectangle can be offset within the MediaBox.
How it works
All pages are copied and receive the same setCropBox(left,bottom,width,height), then the new file is saved.
Key concepts
Origin is lower-left
This differs from many image editors.
Hidden is not deleted
Out-of-box objects may remain in the PDF.
When to use it
- Hide consistent scanner margins.
- Set a common visible region.
- Create a viewing crop for non-sensitive content.
When not to use it
- Do not use it to redact confidential information.
- Do not assume every page has the same geometry.
- Do not enter top-left pixel coordinates.
Worked examples
Inset
- Input
left 36, bottom 36, width 540, height 720- Expected output
A 0.5-inch inset region
36 points equals half an inch.
Mixed sizes
- Input
Same box across A4 and Letter pages- Expected output
Different relative crops
No per-page adaptation occurs.
Sensitive footer
- Input
Crop it out- Expected output
Not visible but potentially recoverable
Content streams remain.
Common mistakes
Using crop as redaction
Objects outside CropBox survive. Correction: Use verified redaction that removes content.
Using top-left coordinates
PDF default origin is lower-left. Correction: Convert coordinate systems.
Applying one box to mixed pages
Pages can clip differently. Correction: Inspect each page.
Best practices
- Use only for presentation crops.
- Check all page dimensions.
- Verify with multiple viewers and never rely on it for secrecy.
Related operations and differences
Delete PDF Pages
Choose Delete PDF Pages when you need to remove selected pages from a PDF.; use Crop PDF Pages specifically for crop pages.
Duplicate PDF Pages
Choose Duplicate PDF Pages when you need to insert a copy after every selected page.; use Crop PDF Pages specifically for crop pages.
Extract PDF Pages
Choose Extract PDF Pages when you need to create a new PDF from selected pages.; use Crop PDF Pages specifically for crop pages.
PDF Page Counter
Choose PDF Page Counter when you need to count the pages in a PDF instantly.; use Crop PDF Pages specifically for crop pages.
PDF Split
Choose PDF Split when you need to extract selected pages into a new PDF.; use Crop PDF Pages specifically for crop pages.
Reorder PDF Pages
Choose Reorder PDF Pages when you need to create a PDF in the exact page order you enter.; use Crop PDF Pages specifically for crop pages.
Limitations and privacy
- One identical CropBox for every page.
- No preview, per-page selection, box visualization, MediaBox content removal, or redaction.
- Zero/invalid widths use defaults; 80 MB limit.
The PDF is read and processed locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Is cropped content deleted?
No.
Where is the origin?
Lower-left.
Are all pages changed?
Yes.
Is this safe redaction?
No.