What metadata does a PDF contain?

Most PDFs carry document information with the title, author, subject, keywords, the application that created the file, the PDF producer and the creation and modification dates. Many also embed an XMP metadata stream that repeats those fields and can add edit history, document IDs and company names.

Does removing metadata change the visible document?

No. Only the document properties and the XMP stream are deleted; pages, text, images, links and form fields stay exactly as they were. To also clear comments, attachments or scripts, use Sanitize PDF.

What metadata do PDFs typically contain?

Standard PDF metadata includes title, author, subject, keywords, creation date, modification date, creator application (like Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign), and producer (the PDF library used). Some PDFs also contain XMP metadata with additional details like GPS coordinates, camera information, or custom application data.

Why should I remove metadata before sharing?

Metadata can reveal who created the document, what software was used, when it was last edited, and sometimes the organization name. For anonymous submissions, whistleblower documents, competitive proposals, or any privacy-sensitive sharing, removing metadata prevents unintended information disclosure.

Can I keep the title but remove the author?

Yes. The tool lets you selectively choose which metadata fields to remove and which to keep. This gives you control over exactly what information accompanies the document.

Is this different from sanitizing a PDF?

Metadata removal focuses specifically on the document information dictionary and XMP metadata streams. Sanitizing is more comprehensive, also removing scripts, edit history, embedded files, and other hidden data. Use sanitize for maximum data removal or metadata removal for targeted cleanup.

Remove Metadata

Powerful Remove Metadata Features

Privacy Protection

Strip author, dates, software, and identifying information from PDFs before sharing.

Selective Removal

Choose exactly which fields to remove and which to keep.

Local Processing

Documents processed on your device. No metadata exposed to any server.

How To Remove Metadata Online for Free

Upload Your PDF

Drop your PDF into the tool. Metadata is read locally on your device.

Review and Select

See all metadata fields and choose which to remove. Remove all or select specific fields.

Download Clean PDF

Download the PDF with selected metadata fields stripped.

Strip all metadata fields from PDF documents directly in your browser. PDF metadata can reveal the document author, creation software, editing timestamps, company name, and other identifying information. Removing metadata protects privacy before sharing documents externally. Processing runs locally via WebAssembly, keeping your documents private.

Everything You Need in a Remove Metadata

Standard Metadata

Title, author, subject, keywords, and dates removed from the document dictionary.

XMP Streams

Extended metadata in XMP format stripped from the PDF.

Selective Control

Keep some fields while removing others for targeted privacy.

Preview First

Review all metadata before deciding what to remove.

Timestamp Removal

Creation and modification dates cleared to prevent timeline analysis.

Private Processing

WebAssembly processes your PDF on-device. Documents stay private.

How it works locally

The file is processed by code in this browser tab: noll deletes the document information (title, author, creator, producer and dates) and the XMP metadata stream, then saves a copy. The pages are not touched, and no copy of the file is sent anywhere.

Legal & compliance toolkit

More tools for preparing confidential and legal PDFs, all running in your browser.

View Metadata
Check what a PDF reveals: properties, XMP, forms and restrictions.
Sanitize PDF
Strip metadata, scripts, attachments, comments and form data before sharing.
Redact PDF
Permanently remove confidential text, not just cover it.
Edit Metadata
Set a clean title, author and subject on a PDF.
Flatten PDF
Turn form fields and comments into fixed page content.
Bates Numbering
Number every page for discovery, e.g. ACME000001.
Header & Footer
Put case numbers or confidentiality notices on every page.
Add Stamps
Mark pages CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, APPROVED or your own text.
Sign PDF
Add a visible signature to a contract or form.
Protect PDF
Encrypt with AES-256 and an open password.
Change Permissions
Allow or block printing, copying, editing and comments.
Remove Restrictions
Lift printing, copying and editing restrictions you're entitled to.
Validate Signature
Check the digital signatures in a signed PDF.

All secure PDF tools for legal work

Frequently Asked Questions

Document Work Made Easy

Process your PDFs with our collection of free, privacy-first tools. No uploads to servers, no registration required. Everything runs directly in your browser.