What metadata is hidden in a PDF?

PDFs can contain hidden metadata including the author's name, the software used to create the file, creation and modification dates, the organization name, comments, revision history, and even GPS coordinates from scanned documents. This information is often invisible to users but easily extractable.

Why should I strip metadata from legal documents?

Metadata can inadvertently reveal privileged information such as the drafting attorney's identity, internal revision history, or the software and systems used by your firm. Stripping metadata before producing documents in discovery or filing with a court protects against unintentional disclosure.

Does this tool remove all metadata from a PDF?

Yes. This tool removes the title, author, subject, keywords, creator, producer, creation date, and modification date from the PDF's document information dictionary. The cleaned PDF retains all visible content but contains no identifying metadata.

Are my documents uploaded to a server when stripping metadata?

No. All metadata removal happens entirely in your browser. Your PDF is never uploaded to any server, making this tool safe for privileged, confidential, and sensitive legal documents.

Free PDF Metadata Remover | Strip Hidden Data Before Filing

Inspect and remove hidden metadata from PDF documents before filing. Author names, creation dates, revision history, and XMP data — all removed. All processing happens in your browser.

1. Select Document

Choose a PDF file or drag it here

Your document never leaves your browser.

2. Found Metadata

The following metadata fields were detected in your PDF. Fields marked for stripping will be cleared or removed.

Strip	Field	Current Value

XMP Metadata: Present

This PDF contains an XMP metadata stream with additional hidden properties. It will be removed when you strip metadata.

XMP Metadata: Not present

Annotations: 0 found

Annotations (comments, highlights, sticky notes) are structural elements, not metadata. Use the option below to remove them if needed.

3. Options

Strip all metadata fields

When checked, all detected metadata fields will be cleared. Uncheck to choose individual fields in the table above.

Also remove annotations

Removes comments, highlights, sticky notes, and other annotations from all pages. This cannot be undone — keep a backup of your original.

Select a PDF to inspect its metadata

Stripping Complete

The cleaned PDF has been downloaded. The following fields were removed:

About PDF Metadata

Why Strip PDF Metadata Before Filing?

Every PDF carries hidden metadata fields that were set by the software used to create it. These fields can reveal the author's name, the organization that produced the document, the software version used, and the exact dates the file was created and last modified. In litigation, this information can be discoverable and may expose unintended details about who worked on a document or when it was prepared.

What Hidden Data Can a PDF Contain?

Document Properties

Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, Creator (the application that created it), and Producer (the PDF conversion software) are stored in the document's info dictionary.

Timestamps

Creation Date and Modification Date reveal exactly when a file was first made and when it was last saved — details that may be relevant in disputes about document authenticity.

XMP Metadata

The Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) stream can hold an even richer set of properties, including revision history, contributor names, rights information, and custom schema data from Adobe products.

Annotations

Comments, sticky notes, and highlights embedded in a PDF can contain reviewer names and timestamps. While not traditional metadata, they can disclose internal review processes.

When Should Attorneys Strip PDF Metadata?

Before e-filing: Remove internal author names and firm identifiers that were never intended to be part of the public record
Before production in discovery: Review and clean metadata to avoid inadvertent disclosure under FRCP Rule 26 obligations
When sharing drafts externally: Strip revision dates and creator fields before sending documents to opposing counsel or clients
Before submitting settlement agreements: Remove internal notes and timestamps that could reveal negotiating strategy

Privacy First — No Uploads Required

All processing runs entirely in your browser using the open-source pdf-lib library. Your PDF is never sent to a server, never stored in the cloud, and never seen by anyone but you. This makes our tool suitable for confidential, privileged, and attorney-client materials.