How to Remove Metadata from PDF and Word Documents Online
PDF and Word files store author names, company info, revision history and hidden comments in their metadata. Learn how to strip it all before sharing.
When you send a Word document or PDF to a client, recruiter, or partner, you may be sending more than you intend. Document metadata can expose your name, company, the names of everyone who edited the file, internal revision history, and even deleted content that was never meant to be shared.
What metadata hides inside documents
In Word documents (.docx):
- Author name and company (from your Microsoft/Windows settings)
- Last modified by (and when)
- Total editing time (how long the document was open)
- Revision history
- Hidden tracked changes
- Comments (including ones you marked as resolved)
- Template filename and origin path
In PDF files:
- Creator software (Word, LibreOffice, Adobe Acrobat)
- Author name
- Creation and modification dates
- Document properties set during creation
- Embedded fonts and metadata
Real situations where this becomes a problem
Freelancers and consultants: A proposal sent as a Word file may show that the "author" is a competitor's name if the template was shared — revealing where the document originated.
Lawyers and professionals: Documents with tracked changes or hidden comments may expose internal deliberations or privileged information that shouldn't reach the opposing party.
Job seekers: A resume that shows a different name as the last editor, or that shows it was created in a company name that differs from yours, can raise questions.
Sales and negotiation: A contract or quote may show revision metadata that reveals your original position before you made a concession.
How to remove document metadata
Using MetaLimpo:
1. Upload your PDF or DOCX file
2. The tool strips all metadata using ExifTool
3. Download the clean version — same content, no hidden data
This is the fastest method and works from any browser.
Alternative for Word:
File → Info → Check for Issues → Inspect Document → check all boxes → Inspect → Remove All.
Alternative for PDF (Adobe Acrobat Pro):
File → Properties → Description → clear all fields. Or use Tools → Redact → Sanitize Document.
The online tool is simpler and more thorough — ExifTool removes fields that the native Office/Acrobat tools sometimes miss.