Why this matters
Hidden PDF properties are the #1 cause of accidental metadata leaks in business and legal document sharing.
Properties persist through 'Save As', email forwarding, and cloud storage sync — they don't go away on their own.
Most online 'PDF metadata removers' upload your file to their server (creating the very leak you're trying to prevent) before stripping the properties.
What the scanner detects
- All standard PDF info dictionary fields
- XMP XML metadata blocks (often missed by basic removers)
- Embedded JavaScript that could execute on file open
- File attachments and embedded files (a common malware vector)
- Custom metadata fields added by enterprise PDF generators
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 remove sensitive properties from a PDF online?
Use a browser-based remover like PrivacyScanPDF. Drop in your PDF, the tool reads it locally, strips every property from the info dictionary and XMP block, and downloads the cleaned PDF. No upload, no signup, no watermark.
What 'hidden properties' do PDFs have?
Standard fields: Author, Creator, Producer, Title, Subject, Keywords, CreationDate, ModDate. Plus XMP XML metadata, embedded JavaScript, file attachments, annotations, and form fields. All of these can leak identifying information about you or your workflow.
Is this safer than uploading to Adobe Online or iLovePDF?
Yes. When you upload to those services, your PDF (with all its properties) hits their server before they strip them. Their ToS says they delete, but you can't audit it. Browser-based tools never upload — the stripping happens in your browser tab. No server, no breach surface, no retention risk.
Will removing properties affect my PDF's appearance?
No. Properties are descriptive metadata, not visible content. Removing them doesn't change how the PDF looks, prints, or behaves. The only thing that changes is what someone sees when they inspect the file's metadata.
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.
How to Wipe Properties From a PDF Securely
Drop your PDF and the tool wipes every property in the PDF info dictionary — author, creator, producer, title, subject, keywords, creation date, modification date — replacing them with empty strings. The wipe is permanent: the original metadata is removed from the file's bytes, not just hidden. Output downloads to your device; nothing is uploaded.
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.
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).