If you need to remove identifying details from a CV quickly and without fuss, this free CV anonymiser lets you do it straight in your browser. No uploads, no sign-ups, just instant anonymisation of name, email, phone, photo, and address.
TL;DR
Use this free CV anonymiser online to strip personal information from any CV safely in your browser. It removes key identifiers without sending your file anywhere. For higher volume or automated workflows, consider the full Distill platform.
Use the tool (above)
To anonymise a CV, simply upload your document into the tool above. It works with Word and PDF files and highlights personal details it removes, including:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Photo or headshot
- Postal address
Once processed, download the anonymised CV immediately—no account needed, no storage on servers.
This tool is designed for occasional use, perfect if you want to screen candidates without seeing their personal details or to share CVs internally while respecting privacy.
How it works
The anonymiser runs entirely in your browser using open-source code. It scans the text and common CV fields for personal identifiers, then replaces or removes them.
Names are identified by matching common name patterns and placement on the CV, while contact details are found using standard regex for emails and phone numbers. Photos embedded in the document are detected and stripped out.
Because it works locally on your device, no file data is ever uploaded or stored remotely.
The approach prioritises speed and privacy over perfect accuracy. Some unusual layouts or uncommon details might slip through, but the most typical identifiers are removed reliably.
Privacy: nothing leaves your browser
This tool is different from many online anonymisers that upload your CV to a server. That creates a risk your candidates' personal data might be stored or intercepted.
Here, everything happens client-side:
- Your CV file never leaves your device.
- No data is sent to any server during or after processing.
- The open-source code means anyone can verify exactly what the tool does.
For agencies handling sensitive candidate data, this reduces compliance risks under GDPR and other privacy laws. You control the file at every step.
If you want to double-check, you can inspect the browser's developer console or network activity—they'll show zero outbound data transfers.
When to upgrade to the full Distill workflow
This free tool is great for one-off anonymisation or small batches. But if you're processing 20 or more CVs a week, manual uploads quickly become a bottleneck.
Distill's full platform automates anonymisation at scale. It:
- Integrates with your ATS and email systems.
- Strips name, email, phone, photo, and graduation year automatically.
- Applies consistent formatting to match client specs.
- Tracks compliance and audit logs for your team.
- Works across UK, Australian, and European recruitment markets.
If you need reliable anonymisation embedded in your workflow—with no manual steps—Distill is designed for that.
FAQ
Is this tool GDPR compliant?
The tool helps with GDPR compliance by removing personal data before sharing CVs internally or externally. Anonymisation is only one aspect of data protection. Agencies should also ensure lawful processing, data minimisation, and secure storage practices.
What file formats does it support?
The anonymiser works with Word (.docx) and PDF files. It may struggle with older Word formats (.doc) or scanned PDFs.
Can it remove all personal data reliably?
It removes standard identifiers like name, email, phone, photo, and address in common CV formats. Unusual layouts or embedded text in images may reduce accuracy. For full control, use Distill's managed workflow.
Is there a limit on file size?
Files up to 10MB work smoothly. Larger files may slow down your browser or cause errors.
Do I need to create an account?
No sign-up or account is required. The tool runs entirely in your browser.
Can I use it on mobile devices?
Yes, but performance may vary depending on your phone's processing power and browser.
If you regularly send 20+ CVs to clients or need automated, compliant anonymisation, Distill can handle it without manual uploads. Start a free Distill trial today and streamline your CV processing.