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Replace the names in a PDF or Word documentPage 1 of 3
Guide · replace names in a PDF or Word file

Replace the names in a PDF or Word document

Find and replace works when you know every name and how it is spelled. Re-Doc finds the names for you, including names inside tables, headers and footers, and replaces each person with one realistic fictional name throughout the document. Emails and phone numbers that belong to them change too, unless you say otherwise.

Upload a file, first 10 pages freeSee pricing
Example

What Re-Doc changes

Orange boxes are what Re-Doc finds on its own. Text-based files keep their layout, and each real value is swapped for a realistic synthetic one.

1. Your documentcase_study.docx
Case Study Draft
Internal · v3
Client contactHannah Weber
Mentioned asHannah
Account managerLuis Ortega
Emailh.weber@firm.de
Result32% faster review
2. Safe to sharecase_study_safe.docx
Case Study Draft
Internal · v3
Client contactClara Novak
Mentioned asClara
Account managerMarco Rossi
Emailc.novak@mail.de
Result32% faster review
What to replacePage 2 of 3
Checklist

What to replace, and what to keep

Usually replaced

  • Full names: each person gets one replacement
  • Names in tables, headers and footers: not only in body text
  • The person's contact details: so the new name does not sit next to a real email
  • Only the names, if you prefer: say "replace names only" before you start

Usually kept

  • Everything that is not a name, if you ask for names only
  • Formatting and layout
  • The original file format
Tip

If you need a specific replacement such as "Client A", write it as an instruction, for example "replace each client name with Client A, Client B".

How it works

Three steps

  1. STEP 1

    Upload

    PDF, Word, TXT, scan or photo, up to 50 MB. Sign in with Google; the first 10 pages are free.

  2. STEP 2

    Review

    Re-Doc highlights every change. On scans you can add or remove boxes; for any file you can describe what to keep or remove in plain words.

  3. STEP 3

    Download

    Get the safe copy in the same format you uploaded, with the layout unchanged.

QuestionsPage 3 of 3

Frequently asked questions

01Can I choose the new names?
Describe the pattern in an instruction, such as "use Client A, Client B". Re-Doc applies it and highlights every change for review.
02What if a name is missed?
Check the highlighted changes. Add anything missed as a plain-language instruction, for example "also replace Hannah", and run the file again.
03Which files work?
Text-based PDFs, Word (.docx) and TXT files. Scans get black boxes instead.
04Can I see what changed?
Yes. Every change is highlighted, and the full list can be exported as CSV.
Anonymize a PDF and keep it readableAnonymize a PDF without black boxes. Re-Doc replaces names, emails, IDs and addresses with realistic synthetic values and keeps the layout. 10 pages free.Pseudonymize documents and keep the key separatePseudonymize documents: replace identities with consistent synthetic values and keep a separate change list as the key. GDPR context and how to store it.Sanitize a document before you share itSanitize a PDF or Word document before sharing: replace or remove names, contact details and ID numbers in the content, and keep the document usable.All anonymization guides →