Question 1

How do I remove metadata from a PDF?

Accepted Answer

Upload your PDF to TrustScan's free PDF Metadata Stripper. It scans for hidden data including author names, timestamps, GPS coordinates, embedded JavaScript, and unflattened redactions. Select which fields to remove and download the clean PDF. Everything runs in your browser - no files are uploaded to any server.

Question 2

What hidden data do PDFs contain?

Accepted Answer

PDFs can contain hidden metadata including author name, creation and modification dates, software used to create the document, XMP metadata streams, embedded fonts that reveal your system, URLs and tracking links, GPS coordinates from embedded images, JavaScript that tracks when files are opened, and recoverable previous versions from incremental saves.

Question 3

Can PDFs contain GPS location data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a PDF contains embedded images (like photos), those images may contain EXIF data with GPS coordinates revealing where the photo was taken. TrustScan's deep scan detects GPS data in embedded images and flags it as a critical privacy risk.

Question 4

What is an unflattened PDF redaction?

Accepted Answer

An unflattened redaction is a redaction annotation that has not been properly applied. The text appears blacked out visually, but the original text underneath can still be copied, selected, or extracted. TrustScan detects unflattened redactions and warns you before you share the document.

Question 5

Is the PDF metadata tool safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TrustScan's PDF Metadata Stripper runs 100% in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your files are never uploaded to any server. No data is collected, no account is required, and the tool is completely free.

Strip Hidden Metadata from Your PDFs

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Strip Hidden Metadata from Your PDFs