How to remove hidden metadata from a PDF
Updated 3 min readBy Total PDF Tools
Quick answer
To remove hidden data from a PDF, open Remove PDF Metadata and add the file. The tool first shows everything it finds, such as author, creator software, creation and modification dates, custom properties and XMP metadata, then removes it all and saves a clean copy. The visible pages stay exactly the same. Use Edit PDF Metadata instead if you want to set new values rather than blank them.
Open Remove MetadataStep by step
- 1
Open Remove PDF Metadata
Go to the Remove PDF Metadata tool and add your PDF.
- 2
Review what's there
Check the list of metadata the tool found, such as the author's name or internal file paths.
- 3
Remove
Remove the document information, the XMP metadata packet and page-level metadata.
- 4
Download the clean copy
Save the new PDF and share that version.
What PDF metadata can reveal
Metadata is added automatically by the software that creates a PDF. It commonly includes:
- The author's full name or Windows/macOS user name.
- The program and version used, such as "Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365".
- Creation and modification dates and times.
- Document titles from old drafts, such as "Contract v7 FINAL".
- Custom properties added by company document systems.
Other hidden content to check
Metadata isn't the only thing that can travel with a PDF. Filled form fields and comments remain editable unless you flatten them with Flatten PDF. Images inside a PDF can also carry their own camera data; rasterizing the pages with Compress PDF's Maximum level removes that too.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing metadata change the document's content?
No. Only the hidden information is removed; every page looks exactly the same.
How can I just view the metadata?
Use the PDF Metadata viewer to see all properties without changing the file.
Should I remove metadata before publishing a PDF online?
Yes, and then use Edit PDF Metadata to set a clear title, because readers, browser tabs and search engines often show the metadata title.