Synthetic Data vs Masked Data

The difference between synthetic data and masked data, and when to use each. Both tools are free and run in your browser.

Quick answer: Load real data and get new rows that behave like it, without copying any real row.

Related: Synthetic Data Generator: Realistic Data From Your File · Generate Test Data from Production Data · Anonymize CSV Data for Testing · GDPR-Safe Test Data Generator · Data Privacy Guides and Free Tools

How to use the Synthetic Data vs Masked Data

Load real data and get new rows that behave like it, without copying any real row.

The Synthetic Data Generator learns from your own file and makes new rows that behave like it. Number and date columns keep their range, spread and the way they move together, such as age and salary. Category columns keep their shares. Names, emails, phones and similar fields get new fake values, ids are renumbered, free text gets the same shape without the same words, and rare values are hidden. No real row is copied. It runs in your browser, and a table shows the real and the synthetic numbers side by side so you can check.

  1. Load your real file
  2. Check how each column will be made
  3. Generate and compare with the real data

Tips

Example

Input: Masking: same rows, hidden values

Output: Synthetic: new rows, no real row

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Frequently asked questions · Data format benchmark

Frequently asked questions

Which one is safer?

Synthetic data copies no real row, so it carries less risk. Masking keeps your real rows with the sensitive values hidden.

Which one keeps my data useful?

Masking keeps exact row counts and joins. Synthetic data keeps the overall patterns.

How is the Synthetic Data Generator different from the Data Generator?

The Data Generator makes random rows from column types you choose, such as names, emails and dates, so the columns do not relate to each other. The Synthetic Data Generator learns from your own file and makes rows that match its ranges, shares and the way number columns move together, so the result looks like your real data. Use the Data Generator for quick fake data, and the Synthetic Data Generator when the data should behave like production.

Is synthetic data safe to share?

No real row is copied, names and emails are replaced, ids are renumbered and rare values are hidden. That lowers the risk a lot, but it is not a guarantee, so review it before you share it publicly.

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