PDF Metadata Scrubber (100% In‑Browser)
Remove identifying PDF metadata such as title, author, subject, keywords, creator, producer, and creation/modification timestamps — plus optional XMP data — right in your browser. Nothing is uploaded; files never leave your device. Great for sharing documents without exposing who created them or when.
How it works
- Add PDFs
Drag & drop or use the file picker below. - Scrub
We’ll automatically analyze “Before” and then clean metadata. - Download
Single file auto‑downloads; batches provide per‑file buttons and a ZIP.
Choose PDFs
Drop PDF files here or click to select
Tip: You can add multiple PDFs to scrub them in a batch.
Options
Selected Files
FAQ
Is scrubbing PDF metadata legal?
Generally yes, removing metadata from a document you are allowed to share is lawful. However, laws and contracts vary by country, industry, and context (e.g., public records, discovery holds, employment policies). This tool does not provide legal advice — when in doubt, consult your legal/compliance team.Could removing metadata violate a policy or order?
Potentially. If you’re under a litigation hold, regulatory retention requirement, or company policy that forbids altering files, you must not modify originals. Work on copies and follow your organization’s retention and audit rules.Does scrubbing metadata make a PDF anonymous?
Not necessarily. Metadata is just one signal. Content, embedded fonts, watermarks, unique phrasing, printer artifacts, and network/file‑system traces can still identify origin. If you need stronger privacy, rasterize pages and rebuild the PDF: first convert with PDF to Images Converter, then reassemble using Image to PDF Converter.How does this handle GDPR/CCPA and privacy compliance?
Processing is 100% in your browser; files are not uploaded. This helps reduce exposure but doesn’t by itself satisfy legal obligations. If you are responding to a data subject request, ensure your workflow includes proper logging, approvals, and retention practices beyond metadata removal.What exactly is removed?
By default we clear common “Document Info” fields (Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, Creator, Producer, Creation/Modification dates). If enabled, we also replace or strip the embedded XMP packet when supported by the PDF. The page content is not changed.Can this remove hidden text or redact sensitive content?
No. This tool only alters metadata. For visual redaction, use a proper redaction workflow. A simple privacy‑preserving alternative is to rasterize: export each page to image with PDF to Images Converter and rebuild with Image to PDF Converter.How can I verify the cleanup worked?
Open the cleaned PDF in your viewer and check File → Properties. You can also click “Analyze metadata” here on the cleaned file. If a viewer caches data, close/reopen the file or test with another reader.Why do I still see dates in my file manager?
Those are file‑system timestamps (e.g., Date Modified), which are separate from PDF metadata. This tool removes internal PDF fields only. Rename or adjust file‑system attributes with OS tools if needed.Will this break linearization (“Fast Web View”) or change file size?
The file may be re‑written without linearization and size can change slightly. Content and page order remain the same.My file is password‑protected or corrupted. What can I do?
Encrypted PDFs can’t be scrubbed without the correct password. Unlock in a viewer first (if permitted), export/print to a new PDF, then scrub that copy. Corrupted or partially downloaded PDFs may fail to open — re‑download or repair and try again.Multiple downloads are blocked by my browser. How do I get my files?
Browsers may block automatic multiple downloads. For batches, use the per‑file Download links or click Download All (ZIP). You may need to allow downloads/pop‑ups for this site in your browser settings.Large PDFs crash my mobile browser. Any tips?
Big files consume memory. Try fewer files at once, process on desktop, or split a large PDF, scrub parts, and then merge. (You can convert pages to images and back to keep layout while reducing complexity.)Does this work offline and keep my files on my device?
Yes. All processing happens client‑side. Once the page is cached, it can work offline. No files are uploaded to our servers.Accessibility and screen readers
The tool’s controls, progress indicators, and results areas include ARIA labels and live regions. If you encounter an issue, let us know and we’ll improve it.Disclaimer: This tool is provided “as is” for convenience and privacy hygiene. It is not legal advice. Always follow your local laws, contracts, discovery holds, and organizational policies.