Remove PDF Metadata
BeforeShare creates a new PDF without the document Info dictionary and supported catalog or page XMP metadata references. That covers standard fields such as author, title, creator, producer, keywords, and dates, plus readable custom Info fields. Processing stays in your browser.
What PDF metadata is removed?
- The complete PDF Info dictionary, including Author, Title, Subject, Creator, Producer, Keywords, CreationDate, and ModDate
- Readable custom Info properties stored alongside standard document fields
- XMP Metadata entries attached to the document catalog or individual pages, plus their referenced metadata streams
What stays in the cleaned PDF?
- Visible page text, images, page dimensions, and page count are not targeted by metadata removal
- Annotations, attachments, forms, and other non-metadata structures are outside this cleaner’s removal scope and may remain
- Visible names, signatures, and private details remain and require separate redaction
Important PDF limits
- Saving a new PDF changes its bytes and can invalidate a digital signature; BeforeShare does not validate signatures
- Encrypted or password-protected PDFs may not open or clean reliably; use an unlocked copy only when you are authorized to do so
- Keep the original, review the downloaded pages, and use a dedicated redaction or PDF security tool for high-stakes files
How to remove metadata from a PDF
- Choose the PDF — Select the PDF you want to inspect. Its content stays in your browser.
- Review the detected properties — Check standard and readable custom Info fields before cleaning.
- Download and review the cleaned copy — Create a new PDF, check the post-clean receipt, then inspect the downloaded pages before sharing.
PDF metadata removal FAQ
How do I remove the author name from a PDF?
Choose the PDF above, review its detected properties, and create a cleaned copy. The PDF Info dictionary, including the Author field, is removed.
Does it remove custom PDF metadata and XMP?
It removes the complete Info dictionary, including readable custom Info properties, and removes XMP Metadata references from the catalog and individual pages.
Does PDF metadata removal delete visible names or annotations?
No. Visible page content is not redacted, and annotations or attachments are outside the metadata-removal scope and may remain.
Can I clean a signed or encrypted PDF?
A new saved copy can invalidate digital signatures, which BeforeShare does not validate. Encrypted PDFs may fail to open or clean; use an unlocked copy only with authorization and keep the original.