Practical guide

How PDF metadata works—and what removal misses

Distinguish document-information fields from page content, annotations and embedded objects.

PDFs can carry more than one metadata system

The traditional Info dictionary can hold title, author, subject, keywords, creator and producer. Many PDFs also contain an XMP metadata stream with overlapping or additional fields.

What this tool removes

The local metadata tool removes the standard Info dictionary and the catalogue’s XMP metadata reference where supported. It saves a new PDF and never sends the selected document to analytics or the API.

What it does not remove

Metadata removal is not redaction. Names can remain in visible text, comments, form values, revision layers, attachments, JavaScript, images, bookmarks or other object streams.

  • Search the final PDF for names and identifiers.
  • Inspect annotations and attachments in a capable viewer.
  • Use a dedicated sanitisation workflow for high-risk disclosure.
  • Remember that the source file remains unchanged on your device.

Worked example

Clearing Author: Alice from document properties does not remove Alice from a comment bubble or scanned signature. Both must be handled separately.

Use the relevant tools

Remove PDF Metadata · Watermark PDF

These guides are general information, not legal, security or records-management advice. Follow your organisation’s policies for sensitive files.