anonym.legal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Table of Contents#

  1. Getting Started
  2. Using the Service
  3. Tokens and Billing
  4. Privacy and Security
  5. Desktop App
  6. Office Add-in
  7. MCP Server (AI Integration)
  8. Account and Support
  9. Troubleshooting

Getting Started#

What is anonym.legal?#

anonym.legal is a tool that helps you hide personal information in text. Think of it like a magic eraser that finds things like names, email addresses, and phone numbers, then hides them so no one can see them.

Why would you use it?

  • To protect people's privacy
  • To follow privacy laws (like GDPR in Europe)
  • To safely share documents without revealing personal details

How do I create an account?#

  1. Go to anonym.legal
  2. Click "Get Started Free" or "Sign Up"
  3. Enter your email address
  4. Create a strong password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols)
  5. Check your email and click the verification link
  6. Done! You now have 200 free tokens to start

Is there a free plan?#

Yes! The Free plan gives you:

  • 200 tokens every 30 days
  • Access to all basic features
  • Analyze and anonymize text
  • 24+ entity types to detect

You can use it forever without paying anything.

What are tokens?#

Tokens are like coins you spend to use the service. Every time you analyze or anonymize text, you use some tokens.

How many tokens do you get?

  • Free: 200 tokens per month
  • Basic (3 euros/month): 1,000 tokens
  • Pro (15 euros/month): 4,000 tokens
  • Business (29 euros/month): 10,000 tokens

Using the Service#

How do I analyze text?#

Analyzing means finding personal information in your text.

  1. Go to Anonymize in the menu
  2. Make sure you're on the Analyze tab
  3. Paste or type your text in the big text box
  4. Choose what to look for (names, emails, etc.)
  5. Click Analyze
  6. The system highlights everything it found

How do I anonymize text?#

Anonymizing means hiding the personal information the system found.

  1. First, analyze your text (see above)
  2. Switch to the Anonymize tab
  3. Choose how to hide each type of information
  4. Click Anonymize
  5. Your text now has the personal info hidden!

What's the difference between Replace, Redact, Mask, Hash, and Encrypt?#

These are different ways to hide personal information:

MethodWhat it doesExample
ReplaceSwaps with a fake value"John Smith" becomes "Robert Johnson"
RedactRemoves completely"John Smith" becomes "[PERSON]"
MaskCovers with symbols"john@email.com" becomes "j***@e****.com"
HashTurns into a code (cannot be undone)"John" becomes "a1b2c3d4..."
EncryptLocks with a secret key (can be undone)"John" becomes "xK9#mP..."

Quick tip:

  • Use Replace for realistic fake data
  • Use Redact when you don't need the info at all
  • Use Mask to partially hide things
  • Use Hash when you never want to see the original again
  • Use Encrypt when you might need to see the original later

Can I undo anonymization?#

It depends on the method:

  • Encrypt: Yes! Use the Decrypt feature with your secret key
  • Replace, Redact, Mask, Hash: No, these cannot be undone

Important: Always keep a copy of your original text if you might need it later!

What languages are supported?#

anonym.legal supports 48 languages for:

  • Detection: Finding personal information in text
  • Interface: The buttons and menus you see

Some languages include: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi, Turkish, and many more!

How many entity types are there?#

There are 24+ different types of personal information that can be detected:

  • Personal: Names, dates of birth, ages, genders
  • Contact: Email addresses, phone numbers, addresses
  • Financial: Credit card numbers, bank accounts
  • Government IDs: Social Security numbers, passport numbers, driver's licenses
  • Medical: Medical record numbers, health information
  • Online: IP addresses, URLs, usernames
  • And more!

You can also create your own custom entity types.

Tokens and Billing#

What are tokens used for?#

Tokens are spent when you:

  • Analyze text (find personal information)
  • Anonymize text (hide personal information)
  • Use the API
  • Process batch files

The more text you process, the more tokens you use.

How are tokens charged?#

Tokens are only charged after an operation succeeds. If something goes wrong, you don't lose any tokens.

You can see how many tokens an operation will cost before you run it.

What happens when I run out of tokens?#

When your tokens hit zero:

  • You'll see an "Insufficient tokens" message
  • You can't analyze or anonymize until you get more

Your options:

  • Wait for your tokens to reset (at the start of your next billing cycle)
  • Buy more tokens (on paid plans)
  • Upgrade to a bigger plan

Can I buy more tokens?#

Yes, on paid plans:

  • Basic: 250 extra tokens for 1 euro
  • Pro: 300 extra tokens for 1 euro
  • Business: 350 extra tokens for 1 euro

Free plan users need to upgrade to buy extra tokens.

How do I upgrade my plan?#

  1. Click your profile picture (top right)
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Click the Billing tab
  4. Choose your new plan
  5. Enter payment details (PayPal or credit card)
  6. Done! Your new tokens are available immediately

Can I cancel anytime?#

Yes! You can cancel whenever you want:

  • Go to Settings > Billing
  • Click Cancel Subscription
  • You keep access until your current period ends
  • Then you're moved to the Free plan

No hidden fees. No penalties.

Privacy and Security#

Is my data safe?#

Yes! We take security very seriously:

  • All data is encrypted (scrambled so only you can read it)
  • We use bank-level security (AES-256 encryption)
  • Connections are protected (like online banking)
  • We follow strict security standards (ISO 27001)

Where is my data stored?#

Our servers are in Germany, in the European Union. This means:

  • Your data is protected by strict EU privacy laws
  • We follow GDPR rules
  • Data stays in Europe

Do you save my text?#

No! Your text is:

  • Processed in real-time (instantly)
  • Never saved on our servers
  • Deleted from memory right after processing

We only save basic info like how many tokens you used, not the actual text.

What is Zero-Knowledge encryption?#

Zero-Knowledge means we cannot see your data. Here's how it works:

  • Your password never leaves your device
  • Your data is encrypted on your device
  • Only you have the key
  • We never see the original information
  • Even if someone hacked our servers, they couldn't read your data

It's like having a locked box where only you have the key.

Learn more: Zero-Knowledge Authentication Guide

Is the service GDPR compliant?#

Yes! We fully comply with GDPR (the European privacy law):

  • You control your data
  • You can download all your data anytime
  • You can delete your account and all data
  • We only collect what we need
  • Your data stays in the EU

Desktop App#

How do I download the Desktop App?#

  1. Go to anonym.legal/download
  2. Choose your system (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
  3. Download the installer
  4. Run it and follow the instructions
  5. Sign in with your account

Does it work offline?#

Partially. The Desktop App can:

  • Store files securely in the vault (offline)
  • Show your saved presets (offline)
  • View previous results (offline)

But to analyze or anonymize new text, you need an internet connection.

What is the vault?#

The vault is a super-secure encrypted storage on your computer where sensitive data is kept (credentials, presets, encryption keys, history).

Key features:

  • Military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption
  • Keys derived from your 24-word recovery phrase using Argon2id
  • Protected by a vault password (local to your device)
  • Only you can access it - we have zero access
  • Works even if you're offline

Important: The vault password (local) is different from your anonym.legal account password (uses Zero-Knowledge authentication).

What if I lose my recovery phrase?#

This is very important: If you lose your 24-word recovery phrase:

  • You cannot restore your vault on a new device
  • If you also forget your vault password, you lose access completely
  • We cannot help you recover it - we never have access to your keys
  • Your vault data is lost forever

Always:

  • Write down your recovery phrase on paper
  • Keep it in a safe place (like with important documents)
  • Never share it with anyone
  • Never store it digitally (no photos, no text files)

Note: This is different from your anonym.legal account. Your account uses 5 recovery shares (3-of-5 Shamir) for recovery if you forget your account password.

How do I create encryption keys in the Desktop App?#

Encryption keys let you lock (encrypt) personal information so you can unlock it later.

  1. Open the Desktop App
  2. Go to Settings > Encryption Keys
  3. Click "Create New Key"
  4. Give it a name (like "Work Files")
  5. Choose key strength (256-bit is best)
  6. Click Create

Tip: You can set default keys for each entity type, so the app automatically uses the right key!

How does batch processing work?#

Batch processing lets you anonymize many files at once:

  1. Drag multiple files into the app
  2. They appear in a list
  3. Drag to reorder them (optional)
  4. Set your preferences
  5. Click Process All

Extra features:

  • Progress bar shows how far along you are
  • Cancel anytime if needed
  • CSV summary shows what was found in each file
  • ZIP export bundles everything together

Can I create my own presets?#

Yes! Presets save your favorite settings:

  1. Set up your preferred entity types and methods
  2. Click "Save as Preset"
  3. Name it (like "Legal Documents")
  4. Done!

Your presets sync across all your devices - Desktop App, website, and Office Add-in!

Office Add-in#

How do I install the Office Add-in?#

  1. Open Microsoft Word
  2. Go to Insert > Get Add-ins
  3. Click My Add-ins
  4. Click Add a Custom Add-in > Add from URL
  5. Enter: https://anonym.legal/office-addin/manifest.xml
  6. Click Add

Now you can anonymize text directly in Word!

Does it work in Word and Excel?#

Word: Yes! Full support for analyzing and anonymizing documents.

Excel: Yes! Works with spreadsheet data too.

Both work in:

  • Word/Excel 2016 and newer
  • Microsoft 365
  • Word/Excel Online

How do I uninstall it?#

  1. Open Word
  2. Go to Insert > Get Add-ins
  3. Click My Add-ins
  4. Find anonym.legal
  5. Click the three dots (...)
  6. Select Remove

Can I create presets in the Office Add-in?#

Yes! You can create and manage presets right in the add-in:

  1. Set up your preferred settings
  2. Click "Save as Preset"
  3. Name your preset
  4. Done!

Your presets sync with your account - they'll also appear on the website and Desktop App.

How do I use different methods for different entity types?#

You can choose different anonymization methods for each type of information:

  1. Analyze your document first
  2. Look at the results list
  3. Each entity type has a dropdown menu
  4. Select the method you want for each:
    • Names → Replace
    • Emails → Encrypt
    • Phone numbers → Mask
  5. Click Anonymize

Example: Replace names with [PERSON] but encrypt email addresses so you can decrypt them later.

Do my settings sync between devices?#

Yes! When you're logged in, these sync automatically:

  • Presets (saved settings)
  • Encryption keys
  • Custom entities

Create a preset on your phone, and it appears on your computer!

MCP Server (AI Integration)#

What is MCP?#

MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It's a way to connect anonym.legal with AI assistants like Claude.

Think of it like giving an AI helper special powers to protect privacy in your conversations.

How do I use it with Claude or other AI?#

  1. Make sure you have a Pro or Business plan
  2. Go to Settings > Developer
  3. Find your MCP connection details
  4. Configure your AI assistant to use the MCP server
  5. Now your AI can automatically anonymize sensitive data!

Note: Setup requires some technical knowledge. Check the MCP Integration Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Which plans include MCP?#

PlanMCP Access
FreeNo
BasicNo
ProYes
BusinessYes

MCP is included in Pro and Business plans at no extra cost.

Account and Support#

How do I reset my password?#

  1. Go to the sign-in page
  2. Click "Forgot Password?"
  3. Enter your email address
  4. Check your email (look in spam too!)
  5. Click the reset link (works for 1 hour)
  6. Create a new password

What is Two-Factor Authentication?#

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds extra security to your account. When you sign in, you need:

  1. Your password (something you know)
  2. A code from your phone (something you have)

This means even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without your phone.

How to enable it:

  1. Go to Settings > Security
  2. Click Enable 2FA
  3. Scan the QR code with an authenticator app
  4. Save your backup codes somewhere safe
  5. Done!

How do I contact support?#

Three ways to reach us:

  1. Email: support@anonym.legal
  2. Website: anonym.legal/support
  3. Help Center: Click the ? icon in the app

We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.

How do I delete my account?#

  1. Go to Settings > Account
  2. Scroll to the bottom
  3. Click "Delete Account"
  4. Read the warning (this cannot be undone!)
  5. Enter your password to confirm
  6. Your account and all data will be deleted

Note: If you have a paid subscription, cancel it first. Deleting your account won't automatically refund you.

Troubleshooting#

Why is my analysis not finding anything?#

Check these things:

  • Is there actually personal information? Try adding a name or email to test
  • Is the right language selected? Make sure you chose the correct language
  • Are the right entity types turned on? Check that you selected the types you're looking for
  • Is the confidence threshold too high? Try lowering it in settings

Still not working? The text might not contain any detectable personal information.

Why is my text showing [ENTITY] instead of the anonymized value?#

This usually means you used the Redact method, which is supposed to show placeholders like [PERSON] or [EMAIL].

Want actual replacement values?

  • Use the Replace method instead
  • Go back and change the anonymization method for each entity type

The Desktop App won't start - what do I do?#

Try these steps:

  1. Restart your computer - This fixes most problems
  2. Check for updates - Make sure you have the latest version
  3. Reinstall the app - Uninstall, download fresh, and install again
  4. Check your antivirus - It might be blocking the app
  5. Run as administrator (Windows) - Right-click and select "Run as administrator"

Still stuck? Contact support with:

  • Your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  • Any error messages you see
  • What happens when you try to open it

I can't log in - what should I check?#

Common fixes:

  • Check your email and password - Make sure they're correct (watch for typos!)
  • Check Caps Lock - Passwords are case-sensitive
  • Clear your browser cache - Old data can cause problems
  • Try a different browser - Sometimes browsers have issues
  • Reset your password - Click "Forgot Password?" if you're unsure
  • Check if 2FA is enabled - You might need your authenticator code

Account locked? After too many wrong attempts, accounts lock temporarily. Wait 15 minutes and try again.

Still can't get in? Contact support@anonym.legal with your email address.

Still Have Questions?#

We're here to help!

Last Updated: January 30, 2026