PDF Editing Issues

How to Search and Remove Swedish Text Patterns in Acrobat Pro

Bushra ParveenBushra Parveen Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to find and redact specific localized text patterns, such as Swedish Social Security numbers, in a PDF using Acrobat Pro.

Search and Remove Swedish Text Patterns in Acrobat Pro
Product
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Searching and redacting sensitive localized information from PDF documents.
Observed behavior
The user wants to know if Swedish localization is supported for text pattern searches or how to create custom search patterns for redaction.
Before you start

Ensure you have Adobe Acrobat Pro installed, as standard Acrobat Reader does not include advanced search and redaction tools. Verify your region settings to check for built-in text patterns.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Custom JavaScript for Unsupported Localized Patterns

Since native Swedish text patterns might not be available, using custom JavaScript or third-party redaction workflows can help identify localized patterns.

Acrobat Pro comes with built-in redaction patterns for a few specific regions, but it does not support custom Regular Expressions (RegEx) through its standard user interface.

To search for unsupported localized patterns like Swedish Social Security numbers, you will need to rely on a custom JavaScript action or an external redaction plugin.

1
Access the Action Wizard

Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro, navigate to the 'Tools' menu, and select 'Action Wizard'.

2
Create a New Action

Click 'New Action' and select 'Execute JavaScript' under the 'More Tools' section to add a custom script.

3
Input Custom RegEx

Enter a custom JavaScript utilizing Regular Expressions designed to locate the specific format of Swedish Social Security numbers.

4
Validate and Apply Redaction

Run the script to highlight the identified text patterns. Carefully review the document to ensure all sensitive data is marked before applying the final redaction.

Use Custom JavaScript for Unsupported Localized Patterns
Submit a Feature Request: If native Swedish pattern search is missing in your current Acrobat release, it is recommended to submit this request as a feature suggestion or bug report to the Acrobat product team.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create custom search patterns in Acrobat Pro?

Acrobat Pro provides predefined patterns for select regions, but you cannot easily create custom regular expression patterns directly within the standard Search & Remove dialog. You must use custom JavaScript or third-party plug-ins.

Are Swedish Social Security numbers natively supported in Acrobat's redaction tool?

Depending on your specific Acrobat version, Swedish patterns may not be included by default. If they are missing, you will need to manually locate them or employ a custom script.

Is a PDF redaction permanent once applied?

Yes, once you apply redactions and save the document, the removed text or graphics are permanently deleted from the file and cannot be recovered.

Where can I request new localized text patterns for Acrobat?

You can submit feature requests or bug reports through Adobe's official feedback forums or product support channels.