How to Search and Remove Swedish Text Patterns in Acrobat Pro
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.

- 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.
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.
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.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro, navigate to the 'Tools' menu, and select 'Action Wizard'.
Click 'New Action' and select 'Execute JavaScript' under the 'More Tools' section to add a custom script.
Enter a custom JavaScript utilizing Regular Expressions designed to locate the specific format of Swedish Social Security numbers.
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.

Manage and Protect PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If you are encountering limitations in Adobe Acrobat Pro, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and cost-effective alternative. It serves as a powerful free Microsoft Office alternative while offering built-in PDF tools to help you manage your documents securely.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and complete the installation process.
- 2. Open PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab to access the integrated PDF editor.
- 3. Edit and Secure: Import your PDF document to begin editing text, adding highlights, or applying security measures.

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.




