FAQ

How Blokduck works, what it protects, and what happens to your files. Can't find it here? Ask us directly.

Beta release

What does Beta mean for BlokDuck?
BlokDuck is highly functional, but you may still encounter small glitches. Please tell us about any glitches you find so we can fix them. For each new glitch you report, we'll reward you with a free license. A description of what happened and the steps to reproduce it help us investigate; please don't send private documents.

Privacy and security

Does my document get uploaded anywhere?
No. Blokduck runs entirely on your computer and never connects to the internet. Nothing you drop in the Blok folder goes online — not to us, not to anyone. You can turn your Wi-Fi off and it works exactly the same.
Do you see my files, or keep any record of them?
No. There is no account, no sign-in and no telemetry, so there is nothing for us to see and nothing for us to store. We do not know what you protect or how often you use it.
Does Blokduck change my original file?
No. Your original stays exactly as it was. A protected copy appears beside it, clearly named, so you always know which one is safe to send.
Where are protected files saved?
Wherever you choose during install. The default is a folder in your Home directory, alongside the Blok folder itself. Nothing is written anywhere else.

What it does

Will it catch everything I need hidden?
Names, account and ID numbers, contact details, addresses, health information and financial figures. You review every protected copy before sharing, so you always have the final say on what stays hidden.
Is this the same as redaction?
Yes — blokking is what we call it. If you work in legal, healthcare, lending or compliance and need the technical detail, request a demo and we will walk you through it.
Can I change what it hides?
Yes. Every protected copy opens for review before you send it, and you can add or remove a blok on any field. Teams can also define custom rules per document type, so a lease and a pay stub get treated differently.
What file types does it handle?
PDFs and common image formats. If you have a format that matters to your workflow and it isn't supported yet, tell us — the roadmap is shaped by what people actually send.
How long does a document take?
Seconds, for a typical few-page document. Everything runs on your own machine, so speed depends on your computer rather than on a queue somewhere.

Getting started

Which platforms is it on?
macOS on Apple Silicon and Intel, Windows 64-bit, and Linux x86_64. All four are on the download section of the homepage.
What does the installer ask me?
Four quick choices: whether you want the CLI, the browser app or both; a use-case profile that sets the default detection rules (healthcare, finance, legal and so on); where protected files should be written; and whether to add a desktop shortcut and menu-bar icon.
Do I need an account?
No. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing to log in to. Download it, install it, drop in a file.
How do I actually use it day to day?
Drop anything you plan to share into the Blok folder. A protected copy appears beside it within seconds. Attach from that folder and whatever you send is already protected.

At work

Can we run it inside our own network?
Yes. The same engine deploys inside your infrastructure, with no outbound connection required. This is the usual setup for firms handling client files under a confidentiality obligation.
Is there an API?
Yes — for teams building it into their own document pipeline, with an audit log of every blok. Request a demo and we will go through the integration.
Can we set our own rules?
Yes. Custom blok rules, defined per document type, so your lease template and your medical intake form each get the treatment they need.
What does it cost?
Individuals get 100 documents a year on a donation basis. For teams, see the pricing page.

Still have a question?

We answer everything ourselves — there is no support queue.