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SECURE
Remove the hidden information in a PDF, such as metadata, scripts and attachments, before you share it.
QUICK ANSWER
To sanitize a PDF, add the file. StackPDF lists the hidden information it found, such as author names, edit history and scripts, then removes it when you choose Remove hidden data. The pages look the same. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
Hidden information is listed before anything is removed. It stays in this browser.Hidden information is listed before anything is removed. It stays in this browser.
PDF files · Runs in your browser
QUICK ANSWER
To sanitize a PDF, add the file. StackPDF lists the hidden information it found, such as author names, edit history and scripts, then removes it when you choose Remove hidden data. The pages look the same. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
HOW TO
Drop it here, or choose it from your computer, your phone or My files.
See the author, software, dates, scripts and attachments the file carries.
The hidden data is removed. The pages look exactly the same.
WHAT’S REMOVED
Most of it is added automatically by the app that made the file.
| HIDDEN DATA | WHY IT MATTERS | AFTER SANITIZING |
|---|---|---|
| Author and company | Shows who wrote or edited the file | Removed |
| Software and dates | Reveals the tools used and when the file changed | Removed |
| XMP metadata and edit history | Can keep old titles and names | Removed |
| JavaScript and actions | Can run code when the file opens | Removed |
| Attachments | Files hidden inside the PDF | Removed |
Sanitizing doesn’t change what’s on the pages. To remove visible text, use Redact PDF.
PRIVACY
Yes. Sanitize PDF runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
StackPDF opens the PDF in your browser tab and does the work there.
Close the tab and it’s gone. Free results download to your device. Premium can also keep them in My files.
pdf-lib, PDF.js and qpdf do the work, inside your browser.
FAQ
Add the PDF and choose Remove hidden data. The author, software, dates and other metadata are removed, and you download a clean copy.
Yes. The free plan includes 1 PDF export a day, with no account. Premium removes the daily limit for $5.99 a month or $39.99 a year.
No. The hidden data is removed in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device.
No. The pages look exactly the same. Only the hidden information goes.
No. Sanitizing removes hidden data such as metadata and scripts, while redacting removes text you can see on the pages. Use both before sharing something sensitive.
Yes. Edit PDF metadata changes the title, author, subject and keywords instead of removing them.