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Participant
October 22, 2025
Answered

"Bad Parameter" when trying to redact multiple files at once.

  • October 22, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 197 views

After opening a document, clicking redact, and loading the entire original folder in to the redacting tool, specifiying what is to be redacted, I am getting a "bad parameter" error. I have successfully done this before so I was assuming it was a file issue. I unlocked all statements (werent even locked in the first place), checked for errors in file names, and tried again - still same issue. 

I am able to do a mass redaction for individual files, but I would like to complete an entire folder at once... 

Any tips? 

Correct answer Tariq Ahmad Dar

Hi ​@robert28759525w466,

Sorry, it has changed to “Select a file” with new Ui changes. 

Please check the video attached. 
Launch Acrobat > All Tools > Protect PDF > “Select a file”

3 replies

robert28759525w466
Participant
June 20, 2026

there is no ‘Add files’ option in the ‘Redact a PDF’ tool

Tariq Ahmad DarCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
Community Manager
June 22, 2026

Hi ​@robert28759525w466,

Sorry, it has changed to “Select a file” with new Ui changes. 

Please check the video attached. 
Launch Acrobat > All Tools > Protect PDF > “Select a file”

robert28759525w466
Participant
June 20, 2026

updated to latest version 26.001.21677. Redaction works for mark whole word, but returns ‘bad error’ when selecting ‘partial word’ option. I am trying to redact the first 6 digits of bank account number - in a set of documents -  and no luck after trying for an hour. Works with single document

Legend
October 22, 2025

Hi @nicolette_8882

 

Thanks for reaching out.

 

The “bad parameter” error during batch redaction usually points to an issue with how the tool processes multiple files rather than a single-file problem. Here are some tips to resolve this:

 

Here’s the revised draft without checkmarks:

 

Troubleshooting Checklist for Batch Redaction in Acrobat

If you’re seeing a “bad parameter” error when loading an entire folder for redaction, try these steps:

1. Verify Folder Contents

  • Ensure all files are PDFs (no hidden non-PDF files).
  • Remove files with unusual characters in names (e.g., #, %, &).
  • Check that none of the PDFs are password-protected or digitally signed.

2. Move Files to Local Storage

  • Copy the folder to a local drive (avoid network or cloud paths).
  • Ensure you have full read/write permissions.

3. Test Smaller Batches

  • Split the folder into smaller groups (e.g., 10–20 files).
  • Run the redaction on each batch to identify problematic files.

4. Preflight and Optimise PDFs

  • In Acrobat, go to Tools > Print Production > Preflight.
  • Run a basic PDF validation and fix any structural issues.
  • Alternatively, use PDF Optimizer to clean up metadata and embedded content.

5. Update Acrobat

  • Make sure you’re on the latest version of Acrobat.
  • Older builds had known issues with batch redaction workflows.

 

Recommended Workflow for Reliable Batch Redaction

  1. Open Acrobat and select the Redact Tool.
  2. Choose Add Files instead of loading the entire folder at once.
  3. Add files in manageable batches.
  4. Apply your redaction settings and run the process.
  5. Save the output to a new folder to avoid overwriting originals.

 

Important Note: The batch redaction feature is sensitive to file integrity. If one file fails validation, the entire operation can throw an error. Following the above steps may help you isolate issues and ensure a smooth process.



Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team