# Remove Metadata from a PDF

PDFs quietly carry the author's name, the software used, creation dates and sometimes editing history. See what yours reveals, then save a copy without it before you share it.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/remove-pdf-metadata · Updated 2026-09-29_

**Quick answer:** To remove metadata from a PDF, choose it here: the tool lists what it contains, such as author, title, creating software, dates and XMP metadata. Press Remove metadata to save a copy without them, and optionally without the names on comments. Pages and text are not changed, and nothing is uploaded.

## How to use it

1. Choose one or more PDFs; the properties of a single PDF are listed at once.
2. Leave “Also remove the names on comments” on if the PDF has comments or highlights.
3. Press Remove metadata.
4. Download the clean copies or send them with a link.

## What a PDF can reveal

| Metadata | Example |
| --- | --- |
| Author | The name on the computer or Office account that made it |
| Title and subject | An old working title, a client's name |
| Created with / PDF made by | Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365, macOS Quartz |
| Created and modified dates | When you really worked on it |
| XMP metadata | Often repeats all of the above, plus edit history |
| Comment authors | The name on every comment and highlight |

## What is removed, and what is not

Removed: the document properties, XMP metadata blocks (for the document, pages and images), private application data such as Illustrator or Acrobat editing data, the file ID and, if you tick it, the names on comments. **Not** removed: anything visible on the pages, such as a name in a header or footer, a signature image or text in a comment, and information inside embedded files. Check the pages themselves before you share.

## For photos, too

Photos carry their own metadata, including the location they were taken. Clean them with [Remove image metadata](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/remove-image-metadata) before putting them in a PDF or sharing them.

## Nothing leaves your device

The PDF is read and cleaned in your browser with pdf-lib, so the private details you are removing are never sent anywhere.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I remove the author name from a PDF?

Choose the PDF here and press Remove metadata. The author, title, software and dates are removed from the document properties and the XMP metadata.

### Does it change how the PDF looks?

No. Pages, text and images are untouched; only hidden properties are removed.

### Can I see the metadata first?

Yes. Choose a single PDF and the tool lists everything it found before you remove it.

### Is my PDF uploaded?

No. It is processed in your browser on your device.