Text Redaction Helper
Replace detected personal data in text.
Use the Text Redaction Helper tool
What this text redaction helper does
Text Redaction Helper uses the same pattern detection as the PII Detector, then replaces matches you select. Label mode substitutes a readable marker such as [EMAIL], while mask mode keeps a hint of the original shape, such as the last digits of a card number. You can copy or download the redacted text.
Redaction is irreversible in the output, so keep the original somewhere safe if you might need it. Pattern-based redaction is incomplete: names, addresses and free-form identifiers can survive. Always read the result before sharing it, and do not treat this as a compliance tool for regulated data.
Why use it
- Share a log or support transcript without exposing customers.
- Produce a masked sample for documentation.
- Remove obvious identifiers before pasting text into another service.
How to use it
- 1Paste the text to redact.
- 2Choose which data types to replace.
- 3Pick label or mask mode.
- 4Review the output, then copy or download it.
Worked examples
Label mode
Input
Text with an email and a phone number
Output
Each match is replaced with a labelled marker.
Mask mode
Input
A card number
Output
The value is replaced with a masked form that keeps only a limited hint.
Common mistakes
- Publishing the redacted text without reading it first.
- Assuming names and addresses were removed.
- Discarding the original before confirming the output is usable.
Frequently asked questions
Can redaction be undone?
Not from the output. The original text is unchanged in your clipboard or source, so keep it if needed.
Does it redact names?
No. Only pattern-based types are detected. Review the text for names and addresses yourself.
Is my text uploaded?
No. Detection and replacement run locally.
Does mask mode keep part of the number?
It keeps a short hint so the text remains readable while the full value is hidden.