Drop a file here, or click to choose a file
Supports PDF, JPG, PNG, WebP, DOCX, XLSX and PPTX
The current version supports PDF, JPG, PNG, WebP, DOCX, XLSX and PPTX.
What Is Hidden Information in Documents?
When you create PDFs or take photos, your files often contain hidden information that you may not be aware of. This includes author names, GPS locations, device details, editing history, annotations, attachments and other metadata. Before sharing a file, it is important to check what it contains.
What Privacy Data Can PDFs Contain?
PDF files can embed document properties (author, title, creation dates), XMP metadata, annotations with reviewer comments, embedded file attachments, form field values, external links, JavaScript actions, and even content hidden outside the visible page area. All of this information travels with the file when you share it.
What Privacy Information Do PDFs Store?
Beyond the visible content, PDF files can store the author name, the software used to create the file, creation and modification timestamps, XMP metadata, form field values, embedded file attachments, annotations with reviewer names and comments, external hyperlinks, JavaScript actions, and even content placed outside the visible page area. All of this information is preserved when you share or upload the file.
Why Do Images Contain GPS Locations?
Most smartphones and many digital cameras automatically record GPS coordinates in image EXIF data. This means anyone who receives your photo can potentially determine exactly where it was taken. GPS data is especially common in photos taken outdoors.
How Can Annotations, Attachments and Forms Leak Information?
PDF annotations may contain reviewer names, comments, and timestamps. Attachments can include entire files embedded within the PDF. Form fields may hold personal data like names, addresses, or email addresses. All of these are easy to overlook but can reveal significant information.
What Is the Difference Between Removing Metadata and Deleting Content?
Removing metadata deletes the hidden information attached to the file (author, dates, GPS, etc.) without affecting the visible content. Deleting content means permanently removing text, images, or other elements from the document body. This tool focuses on metadata; for content redaction, use the PDF Redaction tool.
Why Doesn't a Black Rectangle Equal Permanent Redaction?
Placing a black shape over text in a PDF does not remove the underlying text. The text is still present in the file and can be selected, copied, or extracted. True redaction permanently removes the content from the file. Use the PDF Redaction tool for permanent text removal.
How to Check Privacy Before Sharing a File
Upload your file to this tool and click 'Start Privacy Check'. The tool will scan for metadata, GPS data, annotations, attachments, links, and other potential privacy risks. Review the report, select items to clean, and download the cleaned file. Always verify the cleaned file before sharing.
Local Processing vs. Server Upload
This tool processes everything in your browser. Your files are never sent to any server. This means your documents remain private and confidential. Server-based tools may store, process, or log your files, creating privacy risks.
Supported File Formats
The current version supports PDF, JPG, PNG and WebP files. Office document formats (DOC, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) are not yet supported but may be added in a future version.
Known Limitations
- This tool cannot guarantee detection of all sensitive information in a file.
- PDF hidden content detection is limited to what the PDF library can inspect.
- Office documents (DOC, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) are not yet supported.
- Sensitive text detection uses pattern matching and may produce false positives or miss some items.
- Image re-encoding for thorough cleanup may change file size or quality.
- Digital signatures cannot be removed; modifying signed PDFs may invalidate them.
Data & Privacy
All file processing happens in your browser. Files are never uploaded, stored, or logged. No file content, filenames, metadata values, or detected information is sent to any server. When you close this page or remove the file, all temporary data is released from memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
What file formats are supported?
The current version supports PDF, JPG, PNG and WebP. Office documents are not yet supported.
What hidden information can PDFs contain?
PDFs can contain author names, creation dates, XMP metadata, annotations, embedded attachments, form field values, external links, JavaScript actions, and content hidden outside the visible area.
Why do images contain GPS locations?
Most smartphones and digital cameras record GPS coordinates in EXIF data when taking photos. This data travels with the image file.
Does cleanup modify the original file?
No. A new cleaned file is generated. Your original file is never modified.
Does metadata cleanup affect image quality?
Lossless metadata removal does not change image pixels. If thorough cleanup requires re-encoding, there may be minor quality changes.
Does cleaning a PDF invalidate digital signatures?
Yes, modifying a signed PDF may invalidate existing digital signatures. The tool will warn you before cleanup.
Can this tool find all sensitive information?
No tool can guarantee finding every piece of sensitive data. This tool uses pattern matching and metadata inspection. Always review the cleaned file manually.
Does a black rectangle over text permanently remove it?
No. Placing a shape over text does not remove the underlying content. Use the PDF Redaction tool for permanent removal.
Why do some items require manual review?
Some potential issues (like content outside the crop area or hidden layers) cannot be automatically verified. These require human inspection.
Can encrypted PDFs be checked?
If you know the password, you can open the PDF first. The tool cannot bypass unknown passwords.
Can metadata be recovered from a cleaned file?
Generally no. Once metadata is removed and a new file is saved, the deleted information cannot be recovered from the cleaned file.