> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tonic.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tonic.ai/app/generation/generators/generator-reference/categorical.md). # Categorical The Categorical generator shuffles the existing values within a field while maintaining the overall frequency of the values. It disassociates the values from other pieces of data. Note that NULL is considered a separate value. For example, a column contains the values `Small`, `Medium`, and `Large`. `Small` appears 3 times, `Medium` appears 4 times, and `Large` appears 5 times. In the output data, each value still appears the same number of times, but the values are shuffled to different rows. This generator is optimized for categories with fewer than 10,000 unique values. If your underlying data has more unique values (for example, your field is populated by freeform text entry), we recommend that you use the [Character Scramble](/app/generation/generators/generator-reference/character-scramble.md) or [Custom Categorical](/app/generation/generators/generator-reference/custom-categorical.md) generator. ## Characteristics


Consistency	No, cannot be made consistent.
Linking	Yes, can be linked.
Differential privacy	Configurable
Data-free	No
Allowed for primary keys	No
Allowed for unique columns	No
Uses format-preserving encryption (FPE)	No
Privacy ranking	2 if differential privacy enabled 3 if differential privacy not enabled
Generator ID (for the API)	`CategoricalGenerator`

## How to configure To configure the generator: 1. From the **Link To** dropdown, select the columns to link to the current column.\ \ You can select from other columns that use the Categorical generator. 2. Toggle the **Differential Privacy** setting to indicate whether to make the output data differentially private.\ \ By default, differential privacy is disabled. 3. If [Structural data encryption](/app/generation/generators-assign-config/generators-data-encryption-config.md) is enabled, then to use it for this column, in the advanced options section, toggle **Use data encryption process** to the on position. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.tonic.ai/app/generation/generators/generator-reference/categorical.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.