Signed an NDA? Here’s How to Still Showcase Your Work in a Portfolio
- Tianyu Koenig
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
One of the most common frustrations I hear from candidates is this:
“My best project is under NDA, so I can’t include it in my portfolio.”
But in most cases, this conclusion is reached too quickly. 🤔 Why?
An NDA doesn’t mean you can’t tell your story. It just means you need to be more intentional about how you tell it.
In reality, most NDAs are more nuanced. So understanding the boundary is the first step. They typically restrict specific confidential data, internal metrics, and proprietary visuals or branding. But they often don’t prohibit discussing your process, thinking, or high-level approach.
If you’re unsure, take the time to actually read your agreement. Look for terms like confidential Information, permitted use, and disclosure.
Pro Tip: You can also use AI (e.g., an NDA Analyzer GPT) to translate legal language into plain English and clarify what is safe to share.
Anonymize the Project
If brand details are restricted, remove them.
That includes: company name, logo, brand colors, and any identifiable visual elements.
Add a simple note like:
“This case study is anonymized due to confidentiality agreements.”
Then shift the focus to what actually matters: your problem framing, decision-making, design, or product thinking.
No hiring manager will think you’re less capable just because they don’t see a logo.
Tell a “Summary Version” of the Story
If the NDA is strict and visuals are limited, you can still present a high-level version.
Think of it as a “preview.” Precisely, what problem were you solving? What constraints did you face? How did you approach the solution? What did you learn? You can support this with simple diagrams or illustrations instead of real screenshots.
Then add: “Full case study available for private review on request.”
This gives you flexibility without overexposing sensitive details. Also, prepare a password-protected version of the full case study, which can be shared when needed.
Use Public-Facing Screens
If the product has already launched, then you can often use what’s publicly available, such as live product screenshots and public user flows.
Just make sure you avoid: internal dashboards, sensitive research data, and non-public experiments.
Use visuals that reflect your actual work, not just marketing assets. And always clarify your contribution and thought process.
Blur What Needs to Be Protected
Applying blur effects can obscure sensitive details while still allowing viewers to understand the overall structure, flow, and key steps of your work.
You can blur sensitive sections of screens, mask specific data points, and redact parts of diagrams.
This allows you to preserve the structure, process, and context, while still staying compliant.
Be Careful with Password-Protected Portfolios
Password protection is common, but it comes with trade-offs.
For recruiters and hiring managers, it introduces friction, especially if the password is hard to find.
Make sure to put the password in a visible place (resume, application notes, or cover letter) and even bold it if necessary. Make access effortless. Otherwise, your work might not be reviewed at all.
NDA Doesn’t Limit Your Ability to Tell a Story
Even if you can’t include any visuals, you can still communicate what truly matters. You can clearly walk through how you defined the problem, how you collaborated with stakeholders, how you explored solutions, how you made trade-offs, and how you evaluated and reflected on outcomes. These are the signals hiring managers are actually looking for. At the end of the day, portfolios are not just about what you show; they’re about how well you articulate your thinking.
Final Thought
NDA is not a blocker — it’s a constraint.
And how you operate within constraints is often what demonstrates your maturity.
The strongest candidates aren’t the ones with the most open projects.
They’re the ones who can tell a clear, compelling story — even within boundaries.
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Still unsure how to handle NDA projects in your portfolio? You’re not alone.
If you’d like to explore ways to present your work more effectively, feel free to book a free 15-minute intro session with me below. 😊
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