Remove PDF Metadata
Remove PDF Metadata creates a new PDF, copies all pages, then clears title, author, subject, keywords, creator, and producer. It is not exhaustive sanitization: XMP, attachments, annotations, forms, page content, image EXIF, JavaScript, hidden layers, signatures, incremental history, and visual identifiers are not explicitly audited or removed.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceDoes this guarantee a metadata-free PDF?
No. It clears a defined set of common fields only.
PDF sanitization requires an explicit threat model
Sensitive information can live in document dictionaries, XMP, object streams, attachments, annotations, content, and external workflow data.
How it works
All pages are copied into a new pdf-lib document, six common metadata groups are set empty, and the new file is saved.
Key concepts
Copying pages can retain page-related objects
Annotations, resources, or embedded content need separate analysis.
Visible data is unaffected
Names and comments drawn on pages remain.
When to use it
- Clear common title/author fields.
- Create a basic sharing derivative.
- Reduce obvious document-information leakage.
When not to use it
- Do not use it as certified sanitization.
- Do not rely on it for redaction.
- Do not assume signatures remain valid.
Worked examples
Author field
- Input
Author: Ana- Expected output
Cleared common Author
The setter writes an empty value.
XMP packet
- Input
PDF with XMP- Expected output
Not explicitly removed
The operation does not enumerate it.
Visible name
- Input
Name printed on page- Expected output
Still visible
Page content is copied.
Common mistakes
Calling it anonymization
Many channels remain. Correction: Inspect and sanitize comprehensively.
Skipping verification
Sensitive workflows require evidence. Correction: Use independent PDF forensic tools.
Expecting signature validity
New file creation changes bytes. Correction: Re-sign after approved sanitization.
Best practices
- Verify with more than one inspector.
- Review attachments, annotations, forms, XMP, and visible pages.
- Keep the sanitized output separate from source.
Related operations and differences
PDF Metadata Viewer
Choose PDF Metadata Viewer when you need to read PDF title, author, subject and producer locally.; use Remove PDF Metadata specifically for metadata remove.
Add Blank Page to PDF
Choose Add Blank Page to PDF when you need to append a custom-size blank page to a PDF.; use Remove PDF Metadata specifically for metadata remove.
Add Page Numbers to PDF
Choose Add Page Numbers to PDF when you need to place centered page numbers on every page.; use Remove PDF Metadata specifically for metadata remove.
Add Text Watermark to PDF
Choose Add Text Watermark to PDF when you need to apply a diagonal text watermark to every page.; use Remove PDF Metadata specifically for metadata remove.
Crop PDF Pages
Choose Crop PDF Pages when you need to set a custom crop box on every PDF page.; use Remove PDF Metadata specifically for metadata remove.
Delete PDF Pages
Choose Delete PDF Pages when you need to remove selected pages from a PDF.; use Remove PDF Metadata specifically for metadata remove.
Limitations and privacy
- Clears title, author, subject, keywords, creator, and producer only.
- No certified sanitization, redaction, XMP/attachment/JavaScript/image-metadata inspection, or signature preservation.
- 80 MB limit.
The PDF is read and processed locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Is XMP guaranteed removed?
No.
Are visible names removed?
No.
Is it forensic sanitization?
No.
Should output be verified?
Yes.