Remove Metadata From Word Documents
BeforeShare creates a new DOCX copy without supported hidden document properties, comments, and tracked-change traces. It runs locally in your browser. Keep the original: comments and deleted revision text cannot be recovered from the cleaned copy.
What Word metadata is removed?
- Core properties such as title, author, last editor, subject, keywords, revision number, and created or modified dates
- Extended properties such as company, manager, application, app version, template, and total editing time
- Custom document properties stored in docProps/custom.xml
- Word comments, comment identities, dates, text, and associated people records
- Tracked-change author, date, session, and deleted-text traces; current inserted text is accepted and deleted tracked text is discarded
What stays in the cleaned DOCX?
- Current document text, images, formatting, styles, hyperlinks, and embedded media are kept unless they belong to a removed review-metadata part
- Names, signatures, or private details visible on the document pages remain visible and need separate editing or redaction
Important DOCX limits
- Only .docx is supported; legacy .doc and macro-enabled .docm files are not accepted
- Cleaning is not visible-content redaction and does not certify a document for legal or forensic disclosure
- Keep your original before cleaning because comments, review identities, and deleted tracked text are intentionally removed from the new copy
How to remove metadata from a Word document
- Choose the DOCX file — Select the .docx document you want to inspect. The file stays in your browser.
- Review the detected fields — Check supported document properties, comments, and tracked-change traces before cleaning.
- Download and review the cleaned copy — Create a new DOCX, check the post-clean receipt, then open the downloaded copy before sharing it.
Word metadata removal FAQ
How do I remove metadata from a Word document?
Choose a .docx file above, review the detected properties and review traces, then create and download the cleaned copy. Processing stays in your browser.
Does the cleaner remove the author name and company?
It removes supported core, extended, and custom DOCX properties, including author, last editor, company, manager, app version, dates, and editing time when present.
Does it remove comments and tracked changes?
Yes. The cleaned copy removes Word comments and review identities, accepts current inserted text, and discards deleted tracked text. Keep the original if you need that history.
Does it redact names in the visible document?
No. Visible text, images, signatures, and other page content are outside metadata cleaning and must be edited separately.