How to Blur Sensitive Information

Overview

ShareX's image editor includes powerful tools for hiding sensitive information in your screenshots. Whether you need to blur passwords, email addresses, API keys, or personal data, ShareX makes it quick and easy.

Methods to Hide Information

Blur Tool

1. After taking a screenshot, the image editor opens automatically
2. Select the Blur tool from the toolbar (or press B)
3. Click and drag over the area you want to blur
4. Adjust the blur intensity in the tool options panel
5. The selected area becomes unreadable

Pixelate Tool

1. Open the image editor with your screenshot
2. Select the Pixelate tool (or press P)
3. Draw over sensitive areas
4. The area is pixelated, making text completely illegible
5. Adjust pixel size for stronger or weaker effect

Highlight Tool (Redaction)

1. Select the Highlight tool (or press H)
2. Choose a dark color (black recommended)
3. Draw rectangles over text to completely cover it
4. This is the most secure method — like a digital black marker

Using Shapes for Coverage

You can also use the Rectangle tool to draw solid shapes over sensitive content for a clean, professional look.

Best Practices

• Blur is not reversible in the final image — but always double-check before sharing
• Use full coverage for passwords, keys, and personal identifiers
• Consider context: Blurring might still leave clues (e.g., blurred email of a unique domain)
• Add a margin around blurred text to prevent partial readability
• Verify the output: Zoom in after blurring to ensure text is truly illegible

Automating Blur for Repeated Tasks

For frequently captured applications, you can create a custom workflow that automatically applies specific edits after each screenshot capture.

Security Warning

Always verify that sensitive information is fully redacted before uploading or sharing images. Screenshots shared publicly can be indexed by search engines and potentially recovered if not properly redacted.