Why this matters
PDF properties are the most common vector for accidental metadata leaks. They're auto-populated by your editing software and rarely reviewed before sharing.
Even after 'Save As', most PDF editors preserve the original author and creation date — properties persist across edits, copies, and email forwards.
Wiping properties securely means removing them from the file's binary content, not just blanking the visible fields. Some tools only do the latter, leaving recoverable data in the file.
What the scanner detects
- All standard PDF info dictionary fields (Author, Creator, Producer, Title, Subject, Keywords)
- Creation and modification dates with timezone info
- Custom metadata fields some editors add (Trapped, GTS_PDFXVersion)
- XML metadata blocks (XMP) that mirror the info dictionary
- Whether the PDF contains embedded JavaScript that could re-leak data on opening
Ready to scan your PDF?
Drop your file into the scanner. Results in 5 seconds. Nothing leaves your browser.
Open the scannerHow it works
Click "Scan your PDF now" above. The scanner opens in your browser tab — no download, no install.
Drop in your PDF. The file is parsed entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No upload, no server, no logs.
Review your 0–100 risk score, the list of findings, and the AI-generated redaction recommendations. Then take action.
Frequently asked questions
How do I securely wipe PDF properties?
Drop your PDF into the tool above. It reads the file locally, removes every field in the PDF info dictionary (author, creator, producer, title, subject, keywords, timestamps), also strips the XMP XML metadata block, then writes a new PDF to your browser's memory and triggers a download. The original file is unchanged.
What's the difference between wiping and hiding PDF properties?
Hiding (or 'redacting' visually) leaves the data in the file's bytes — recoverable by anyone with a hex editor or PDF parser. Wiping removes the data from the file's binary content. PrivacyScanPDF wipes properties by setting each info dictionary field to an empty string and removing the XMP block, so no recoverable data remains.
Will wiping properties break my PDF?
No. PDF properties are descriptive metadata, not structural. Removing them doesn't affect the visible content, page layout, fonts, images, or interactive elements. The PDF opens and renders identically — it just doesn't carry identifying metadata anymore.
Can I verify the wipe worked?
Yes. After downloading the cleaned PDF, drop it back into the scanner above (or any PDF metadata viewer). The properties should all be empty or absent. You can also open the PDF in a text editor and search for '/Author' or '/Creator' — they should be gone or empty.
Related privacy scans
How to Check a PDF for Hidden Information and Metadata
Drop your PDF and instantly see every piece of hidden data it carries — author name, original file path, editing software, creation timestamps, embedded JavaScript, file attachments, and 50+ categories of personally identifiable information. The scan runs entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Is It Safe to Upload a PDF to Remove Metadata?
No — uploading a PDF to remove its metadata is a paradox. The moment the file hits their server, the metadata you wanted to remove has already been disclosed to that third party. The safe way is browser-based: the PDF stays on your device, the metadata is stripped locally, and no copy ever exists on someone else's hardware.
Can Someone See Who Created a PDF File?
Yes — by default, PDFs store the author name (often your real name from your Adobe or Microsoft account), the creator software (e.g., 'Microsoft Word for Office 365'), and the original file path (which can include your Windows username). Anyone with a free PDF reader can see this. Drop your PDF above to see exactly what it leaks.
Remove Sensitive Hidden Properties From a PDF Online
PDFs hide a surprising amount of identifying information in their properties: author name, editing software, creation timestamps, original file paths, custom XMP metadata. This tool removes all of it — locally in your browser, with no upload to any server. Drop your PDF, get a cleaned version in seconds.
Your PDF never leaves your device
Every operation runs as JavaScript in your browser tab. No upload endpoint exists. Verify it yourself in DevTools (F12 → Network).