How to remove metadata from a PDF (author, dates and software)
What PDF metadata is, how to see what yours reveals, and how to strip the author, title, dates and software details before you share a file.
Every PDF carries hidden details about itself: who made it, with what software, and when. Remove that metadata before you share the file and the document looks exactly the same, but it no longer carries your name, your computer's software or your timestamps.
Quickest answer: remove PDF metadata in three steps
- Open Remove PDF Metadata and drop your file on the page.
- Click Process File.
- Click Download to save the cleaned PDF.
What counts as PDF metadata
- Title, author, subject and keywords. Often filled in automatically from your account name.
- Creator and producer. The program and library that made or last saved the file.
- Creation and modification dates.
- XMP metadata. A second, richer block of the same kind of information stored separately.
Check what your file reveals first
The PDF Metadata tool shows what a file currently contains, and lets you edit fields instead of deleting them. If you want to choose a title or author yourself, use that. If you want it all gone, use the remover.
What removing metadata does not do
It clears the document's property fields. It does not touch what is written on the pages. A name in the text, a signature image, or a comment is still there. To black out content itself, use Redact PDF. To lock the file with a password, use Protect PDF.
Ready to try it?
Open the Remove PDF Metadata tool — no signup, no upload, no watermark.
Open Remove PDF MetadataFrequently asked
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? We've got answers.
How do I remove metadata from a PDF for free?
Drop the file into SmilingPDF's Remove PDF Metadata tool, click Process File and download the result. It is free and needs no account.
What metadata does a PDF contain?
Usually title, author, subject, keywords, the creating and producing software, creation and modification dates, and often a separate XMP metadata block.
Does removing metadata change how the PDF looks?
No. Pages, text, images and layout are untouched. Only the hidden properties are cleared.
Does it remove names that appear on the pages?
No. Text and images on the pages are content, not metadata. Use Redact PDF to remove content.
Is my PDF uploaded to remove its metadata?
No. The file is processed in your browser and is not sent to a SmilingPDF server.
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