Guide

How to remove hidden data from a PDF.

A PDF can carry more than its pages: the author, attached files, scripts, hidden layers. Remove them from the copy you send.

Steps

Four steps.

1
Work on a copy
Do this on the copy you are going to send, not on your original.
2
Open Remove hidden information
Choose it from the menu. A dialog lists everything it can strip.
3
Choose what to strip
Document properties and metadata, attached files, scripts and automatic actions, links, and hidden layers are on by default. Bookmarks and comments are optional.
4
Remove and save
Remove, then save the copy. Apply any redactions first if you have them.

What a recipient could find

Title, author, company, custom properties, XMP metadata, attachments and page thumbnails can all travel with the file.

Comments are your call

Bookmarks and comments stay unless you tick them. Tick them for a final copy.

Pair it with redaction

Redact first, then remove hidden information, then number the pages.

Questions

How do I remove metadata from a PDF?

Open the copy, choose Remove hidden information, keep Document properties and metadata ticked and remove.

Does it remove attachments and scripts?

Yes. Attached files and JavaScript, including automatic actions, are options and are on by default.

Will my links still work?

Links to pages of the same file stay. Links to websites and other files are removed when you choose that option.

Does it change my original?

Only the file you save. Work on a copy and keep the original.

Screenshots use a fictional document.

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