Remove hidden metadata from a PDF before you share it
PDFs carry far more than what is printed on the page. The Remove PDF Metadata tool shows you everything a file reveals — the author’s name, the software and template it came from, XMP edit history, scripts, attached files, the names on comments and even earlier saved versions of the document — and removes it all in one click.
This matters whenever a document leaves your hands: a CV sent to a recruiter, a tender submitted to a client, a manuscript for blind peer review, a leaked-proof press release, a court filing or a report published on your website. Hidden data has exposed real authors, internal file paths and “final” documents that were three years old.
Unlike a properties editor, this tool rewrites the PDF from scratch so that removed data is really gone: old copies of the metadata stored in earlier revisions, and objects nothing refers to any more, are dropped as well. It runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
How to remove metadata from a PDF
- Drop a PDF onto the upload area or click it to choose the file.
- Review the What this PDF reveals table: document properties, XMP, JavaScript, embedded files, comment authors, private app data and earlier versions.
- Untick anything you want to keep — for example embedded files that the recipient needs.
- Press Remove metadata. The clean copy downloads as yourfile-clean.pdf.
- Check the Clean report, which re-inspects the new file and confirms what was removed.
Remove PDF Metadata features
Shows before it cleans
A clear table lists every kind of hidden data found, with the actual values — so you know what you are sending before you decide.
Document properties and XMP
Clears the Info dictionary (title, author, subject, keywords, creator, producer, dates) and removes XMP packets from the catalog, pages, images and fonts.
Scripts and attachments
Optionally removes document-level JavaScript, open actions, embedded files and file-attachment annotations.
Comment author names
Removes the author field from comments and annotations while keeping the comment text itself.
Old versions removed
Incremental saves can keep earlier metadata inside the file. The PDF is rebuilt from the current version only, and unreachable objects are deleted.
Verified clean report
The new file is inspected again after cleaning, and the report shows each item as Removed, Kept or None found.
Where PDFs hide personal data
| Location | What it can reveal |
|---|---|
| Info dictionary | Author name or Windows login, title of the original file, creating app (e.g. Word, InDesign), PDF producer, creation and modification dates |
| XMP metadata | The same details again in XML, plus document and instance IDs and an edit history listing when and with which apps the file was saved |
| Incremental updates | Previous versions of changed objects — including old titles, authors or text — kept after the end of the original file |
| Comments | The name of every reviewer who added a note, highlight or stamp |
| Attachments and JavaScript | Source spreadsheets, earlier drafts, or scripts that run when the file opens |
| PieceInfo | Private data from apps such as Illustrator, sometimes including editable source content |
What this tool does not remove
Metadata removal does not touch the visible page. Names, signatures, account numbers and other information printed on the page stay as they are — to hide those permanently, use Redact PDF, which removes the text underneath as well. Photos inside a PDF may also carry their own camera EXIF data from before they were placed; you can inspect image files with the EXIF Viewer.
If you would rather edit the properties than delete them — for example to set a clean title for a published report — use the PDF Metadata Editor. After cleaning, you can add a password with Protect PDF.
Remove PDF Metadata FAQ
How do I remove metadata from a PDF?
Drop the file into Remove PDF Metadata, check what was found, and press “Remove metadata”. The cleaned copy downloads immediately and a report confirms what was removed.
Does removing metadata change how my PDF looks?
No. Pages, text, images, links and form fields are unchanged. Only hidden data is removed — and attachments or scripts only if you leave those options ticked.
Why does my PDF still show an author after I deleted it in another app?
Many apps only edit the Info dictionary and leave the XMP copy, or save the change as an incremental update that keeps the old value in the file. This tool removes both and rewrites the file without earlier revisions.
Can I remove metadata from a password-protected PDF?
Not directly — the file must be unlocked first. Use Unlock PDF with the password, clean the unlocked copy, then protect it again if needed.
Is my document uploaded?
No. The PDF is analysed and rewritten by JavaScript in your browser and never leaves your device.
Will this remove a digital signature?
The file is rewritten, so an existing digital signature will no longer validate. Remove metadata before the document is signed, not after.