What does sanitizing a PDF remove?

Hidden information that travels with a document: the title, author and software in its properties, the XMP metadata stream, JavaScript and actions that run when it opens, embedded attachments, comments and markup, and the data stored in form fields. Visible text, images and filled-in values stay on the page.

Does redaction remove the text or just cover it?

Real redaction deletes the text and image data under the marked area. Drawing a black box or highlight only covers it, and the words can still be copied or searched. Sanitizing does not redact visible content, so redact first, then sanitize the result to clear hidden data.

What hidden data can PDFs contain?

PDFs can contain metadata (author, software, timestamps), edit history from incremental saves, embedded files, JavaScript code, form field data, hidden layers, redaction annotations (before applying), comments, thumbnails, and XMP metadata. Any of these could reveal sensitive information about the document's origin, authorship, or editing history.

How is sanitizing different from redaction?

Redaction removes specific visible content (like names or numbers) from the document. Sanitizing removes hidden non-visible data (metadata, edit history, scripts) while keeping the visible content intact. For maximum security, use both: redact sensitive visible content, then sanitize to remove hidden data.

Will sanitizing change how the document looks?

No. Sanitizing only removes non-visible data. The document's visual appearance, text content, images, and layout remain identical. The difference is only in the hidden data that gets stripped.

Is this required for legal document production?

Many legal and regulatory frameworks require sanitizing documents before disclosure. FOIA responses, discovery productions, and regulatory filings often mandate that hidden metadata and editing history be removed. Sanitizing ensures you only share what you intend to share.

Sanitize PDF

Powerful Sanitize PDF Features

Deep Cleaning

Strips hidden text, scripts, edit history, attachments, and all non-visible data from PDFs.

Visual Unchanged

Document appearance preserved exactly. Only hidden data is removed.

Maximum Privacy

Documents sanitized locally. No data uploaded to any server.

How To Sanitize PDF Online for Free

Upload Your PDF

Drop your PDF into the tool. The document is analyzed locally on your device.

Review Hidden Data

See a summary of hidden data found: metadata, scripts, attachments, edit history, and more.

Download Sanitized PDF

Download the cleaned PDF with all hidden data removed. Visual content is unchanged.

Remove hidden sensitive data from PDF documents before sharing. PDFs can contain hidden information including previous edit history, embedded files, form field data, JavaScript, metadata, and hidden layers that may expose confidential information. Sanitizing strips all non-visible data while preserving the document's visual appearance. Essential for legal document production, FOIA responses, compliance workflows, and any situation where hidden data could cause a leak. Processing runs locally via WebAssembly.

Everything You Need in a Sanitize PDF

Metadata Removal

Author, software, timestamps, and XMP metadata stripped completely.

Script Removal

JavaScript, form actions, and interactive elements removed for safety.

History Cleaned

Incremental save data and edit history purged from the file.

Attachments Stripped

Embedded files, thumbnails, and preview images removed.

Content Preserved

Visible text, images, and layout remain identical after sanitizing.

Local Processing

WebAssembly analyzes and cleans your PDF on-device. Nothing uploaded.

How it works locally

Your PDF is opened by code running in this browser tab. noll deletes the document properties, XMP metadata, JavaScript and open actions, embedded files, comments and stored form data, draws the form values into the page and saves a new file. Nothing is sent to a server, so the unsanitized original never leaves your device.

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.
Remove Metadata
Delete author, software, dates and XMP history from a PDF.
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.