# Text

Below is a list of available text mask functions.

## **Format Preserving Encryption (FPE)**

The **Format Preserving Encryption (FPE)** function utilizes the FF3 algorithm to encrypt sensitive data while preserving its original format and length. This makes it ideal for fields where the data's structure must remain intact (e.g., credit card numbers or dates). Note that it preserves data format during encryption and supports unique and randomized subsets for varied datasets​. The values are generated in a consistent manner.

#### **Parameters**

* `Alphabet` : By default, it contains all ASCII letters, uppercase and lowercase and numbers.

#### **Example** <a href="#example---shifting-a-set-of-dates" id="example---shifting-a-set-of-dates"></a>

If you configure:

```
Alphabet: abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 0123456789
```

The results will be:

```
0kVRnFWud,
uCgInrq6,
772edmb G,
...
```

<figure><img src="/files/KTogW4qj7DlbzmhmeFXP" alt="" width="534"><figcaption><p>The <strong>Format Preserving Encryption</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

## **Numeric Hasher**

The **Numeric Hasher** function provides secure hashing for categorical values. This method replaces original values with a hashed representation, ideal for ensuring data privacy while maintaining referential integrity in numerical datasets. Note that It maintains the original structure of hashed fields. and the minimum number of characters depends on the size of the alphabet used, typically resulting in a minimum of 4 characters in a consistent manner. To ensure accurate ordering, please see [ordering and indexing considerations](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/consistent-mapping.md#ordering-and-indexing-considerations).

#### Parameters

* No parameters.

#### Example <a href="#example---shifting-a-set-of-dates" id="example---shifting-a-set-of-dates"></a>

If you configure:

```
Column names:
Anne,
John,
Chris,
...
```

The results will be:

```
Column names:
3842648596,
3397993411,
70461273,
...
```

<figure><img src="/files/kbeZFFKVOXV6cYl4Atfd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Numeric Hasher</p></figcaption></figure>

## **Random Character Swap**

The **Random Character Swap** function replaces individual characters in categorical values while preserving the structure of punctuation, spaces, and symbols. Characters are swapped within their respective categories (letters with letters, digits with digits), ensuring that the field's overall format remains usable, or in other words, the original data type and structure of each field (letters, numbers, symbols) are preserved. Note that it preserves non-alphabetic characters (e.g., punctuation, spaces)​.

#### **Parameters**

* `Consistent mapping`: Random Character Swap supports [consistent mapping](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/consistent-mapping.md).

#### **Example** <a href="#example---shifting-a-set-of-dates" id="example---shifting-a-set-of-dates"></a>

If you configure:

```
Column names:
Mavis612,
Frank378,
Tijuana228,
...
```

The results will be:

```
Column names:
Eiqxj928,
Wawak904,
Rqrsuzb283,
...
```

<figure><img src="/files/IUGHWVhcevezQ9frG38O" alt="" width="529"><figcaption><p>Consistent Mapping enabled for Random Character Swap</p></figcaption></figure>


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