Privacy guide
How to redact an image before sharing
Choose the visual treatment based on what the hidden detail means: blur and pixelation hide appearance, while solid redaction replaces sensitive pixels.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Choose the right treatment
Blur
A face, background detail, or visual element should be less recognizable, and exact recovery is not the main risk.
Blur, Pixelate & Redact ImagePixelate
You want a visibly blocked mosaic for a screenshot or casual visual anonymization.
Blur, Pixelate & Redact ImageSolid redaction
The area contains a password, account number, identity number, or other high-sensitivity text.
Blur, Pixelate & Redact ImageWhy blur is not the same as redaction
Blur and pixelation transform visible detail but can leave clues about the original. Their reversibility depends on the strength, source resolution, surrounding context, and the method used. Treat them as visual anonymization aids, not an absolute privacy guarantee.
Solid redaction paints over the selected output pixels. It is the appropriate default for sensitive text, but only if you share the exported copy and keep the original file private.
Select the exact area
Use a rectangle, ellipse, or brush region. Include the full sensitive detail and a small safety margin when appropriate.
Blur, Pixelate & Redact ImageApply the right effect
Choose blur or pixelation for ordinary visual concealment. Choose solid redaction for secrets and identifying numbers.
Clean metadata
Visible pixels and embedded metadata are separate. Use Image Metadata Remover when the file may contain GPS, camera, or software details.
Image Metadata RemoverInspect the exported copy
Open the result at full size, check every sensitive area, and share only the edited copy.
A short safety check
Do
- Keep the original private and unchanged.
- Use solid redaction for secrets.
- Inspect the final file after export.
- Remove metadata when it matters to the sharing context.
Don't
- Do not call blur irreversible.
- Do not assume a crop removes all private information.
- Do not upload a sensitive original just to test a tool.
- Do not rely on a thumbnail preview for final review.
Can blur be reversed?
Sometimes. The result depends on the effect, strength, source pixels, and outside information. Pixlery describes blur and pixelation as visual anonymization, not an irreversible guarantee.
Does solid redaction remove metadata?
No. Solid redaction changes selected pixels. Use a metadata-cleaning workflow separately when embedded file information matters.
Will Pixlery upload the image?
No. Supported images and edits stay in the browser session. Browser memory may temporarily hold the source, preview, and result while the page is open.
Use Pixlery tools
Blur and redact images
Blur, pixelate, or permanently cover selected areas of a JPG, PNG, or WebP image in your browser.
Open tool10Remove metadata
Remove common EXIF, GPS, camera, and software metadata from JPG, PNG, and WebP images locally.
Open tool04Crop images
Crop, rotate, and flip JPG, PNG, and WebP images with precise aspect ratios and local processing.
Open tool