How to Remove Metadata from a PDF Before Sharing

February 17, 2026

Every PDF file carries hidden information you probably did not put there on purpose. Author names, creation dates, software versions, and even edit history can all be embedded in a document’s metadata. When you share a PDF with a client, post it online, or submit it to an organization, that metadata goes along with it. Most people never think about this. But they should.

What Is PDF Metadata?

PDF metadata is a set of fields stored inside the file that describe the document itself. Common metadata fields include the author name (often pulled from your operating system account), the software used to create the PDF, the creation date, the last modification date, and a subject or title field. Some PDFs also contain XMP metadata with even more detailed information.

This data is not visible on the pages of the PDF. You will not see it when you open the file and read it. But anyone who checks the file properties can view it instantly. On most PDF readers, it takes one right-click and a glance at “Document Properties” to see everything.

Why Metadata Matters for Privacy

Metadata reveals more than you expect. An author field can expose the name of someone who was supposed to remain anonymous. A creation date can contradict a claimed timeline. The software field can reveal whether a document was created in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a specific design application. For legal documents, leaked metadata has caused real problems in court cases and negotiations.

Businesses that share proposals, contracts, or reports should treat metadata cleanup as a standard step. The same goes for freelancers sending deliverables, journalists protecting sources, and anyone publishing documents publicly.

How to Remove Metadata with ArmorPDF

ArmorPDF’s Remove Metadata tool strips all hidden metadata from your PDF in seconds. Here is how to use it:

1. Open the Remove Metadata tool in your browser.
2. Drop your PDF file into the upload area, or click to select it from your device.
3. Review the metadata fields the tool detects in your file.
4. Click to remove the metadata.
5. Download the cleaned PDF file.

The entire process runs in your browser. Your file is never uploaded to a server, so you are not creating a new privacy problem while trying to solve one. The cleaned file is generated locally on your device.

When to Remove Metadata

Make it a habit to strip metadata before sharing any PDF externally. Good times to do it include before emailing a contract to a client, before uploading a document to a public website, before submitting files to a government agency, and before distributing reports to people outside your organization. It takes a few seconds and prevents accidental information leaks.

A Simple Step for Better Document Privacy

Removing metadata is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your privacy when sharing documents. It costs nothing, takes almost no time, and eliminates a category of risk that most people overlook entirely. ArmorPDF’s Remove Metadata tool makes the process straightforward, with no account required and no files leaving your device.