---
title: Creating a Masking Method
slug: singleconnect-reference-guide-3-1-0/creating-a-masking-method
description: Learn how to define a masking method for various databases using SQL Proxies. In this document, find step-by-step instructions on accessing the SQL Proxy Policy section, opening the Masking Method tab, and entering details such as masking name, descriptio
docTags: 
createdAt: 2022-08-01T16:43:18.000Z
---

A masking method must be defined for the related database types, in order to apply masking policies to databases when using SQL Proxies.

1. Navigate to **Policy Control** > **SQL Proxy Policy**.
2. Open the **Masking Method** tab.
3. Enter the masking name, description, column type and masking pattern.
4. Click **Save**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/g9cApVza9NIhSh0pjZYtA/OV_xYxKZtPbc4jtNDpAiG_image.png "Masking Method")

**Masking Pattern:** Masking functions should be defined in java regex pattern. Some patterns are defined by default.


**Database Type:** Masking functions set in the masking pattern field vary for each database. The correct Database type selection is required to apply masking.


**Column Type:** The masking policy is applied according to the column type. The correct column type selection is required to apply masking.


**Hide Column:** The checkbox allows columns to be hidden for any applied method.