Mask the Aadhaar number on a PDF you already have
Every guide to masked Aadhaar tells you to download a fresh masked copy from UIDAI. That is useless when the file you must share is the one already in your hands — a scanned admission form, a signed rental agreement, a KYC packet, a photocopy a vendor sent you. Masking means hiding the first eight digits so only the last four remain visible, which is the form UIDAI itself recommends for sharing. CrispPDF's redaction removes the underlying content rather than drawing a black rectangle on top, so the digits cannot be recovered by copying the text or opening the file in an editor. Nothing is uploaded, which is the whole point when the document is an identity number.
- Works on the PDF or scan you already have — no UIDAI re-download needed
- True redaction: the digits are removed, not just covered with a black box
- Keeps the last 4 digits visible, the format UIDAI recommends for sharing
- Runs in your browser — your Aadhaar never reaches a server
Next steps & related guides
// FAQ
Frequently asked
+How do I mask the Aadhaar number in a PDF I already have?
Open it in CrispPDF's Redact PDF tool, draw a redaction box over the first eight digits, and export. The digits are stripped from the file content, so they cannot be revealed by selecting or copying the text.
+What is masked Aadhaar?
A masked Aadhaar shows only the last four digits of the 12-digit number, with the first eight replaced. UIDAI offers it as a download option, and it is the safer form to share for address or identity proof where the full number is not legally required.
+Is masked Aadhaar valid as proof?
It is accepted as proof of identity and address in many situations, including several KYC flows, but some services still require the full number. Check the specific requirement before sending a masked copy.
+Is drawing a black rectangle in an editor good enough?
No. A drawn rectangle sits above the text, and the digits are still in the file — anyone can copy them out or delete the shape. Use redaction, which removes the content.
+Can I mask a photo or scan of an Aadhaar card?
Yes. Convert the image with JPG to PDF, then redact the region. Because the source is an image, the redacted area is painted out of the image data itself.
+Do you upload or keep my Aadhaar?
No. Redaction runs entirely in your browser. There is no upload, no account, and no copy of the file anywhere but your device.