Hidden Metadata // Metadata
Remove hidden metadata from PDF files
FileSentinel reveals the metadata embedded in your PDFs and strips it to a clean copy so you control what you share.
What gets stripped
What's hidden in your PDF files
FileSentinel reads the document metadata in your PDFs, including author, producer, and timestamp properties, and strips it to a clean copy. With OCR it can also catch sensitive text rendered inside the pages themselves.
Where it applies
- Text-based PDFs
- Scanned and image-based PDFs (via OCR)
- PDF exports from Office files
- PDFs bound for external sharing
// RESULTS — findings scored by confidence and severity
Why it matters
The trail you forgot was there
PDFs carry author and software metadata, and a PDF made from a sensitive source can keep traces of where it came from. They are also the format people share most widely, which multiplies the exposure.
- Author and producing-software details
- Creation and modification timestamps
- Traces from the source document
- Sensitive text inside scanned pages (caught via OCR)
How FileSentinel handles it
Reveal, clean, and keep a record
FileSentinel reads inside your files on your own machine, shows you the hidden metadata, and writes a clean copy you can share. Built-in detectors cover the common cases, and a custom rule builder lets you add plain-text or regex detectors for anything specific to your work.
Reveal
FileSentinel reads the embedded metadata and shows you exactly what each file carries before anything is changed.
Clean copy
Strip the metadata to a clean copy in one click. Your original is left untouched.
History
A remediation history records exactly what was removed and where, so you have a clear audit trail.
Private by design
Your files never leave your PC
Scanning, OCR, and remediation all happen on-device. FileSentinel makes no network connections to do its work, so the very data you are trying to protect never has to leave your machine to be checked. No server, no cloud, no upload step.
More FileSentinel scanners
Find and clean more sensitive data
Questions & answers
Remove PDF metadata FAQ
How do I remove hidden metadata from PDF files on Windows?
Install FileSentinel from the Microsoft Store, point it at the folder holding your PDF files, and run a scan. FileSentinel shows the embedded metadata, then strips it to a clean copy with one click, all on your PC.
Is removing metadata from PDF files private?
Yes. FileSentinel reads and cleans your PDF files entirely on your device. Nothing is uploaded and no network connection is made to do the work, so your files never leave your machine.
Does FileSentinel also catch sensitive content inside a scanned PDF?
Yes. Beyond stripping document metadata, FileSentinel can run OCR over image-based PDFs to read the text inside them, so visible SSNs, cards, or account numbers in a scan are flagged too.
How much does FileSentinel cost?
FileSentinel is available on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open the listing to see current pricing and install it in one click.
Get FileSentinel
Remove Hidden Metadata from PDF Files
Install FileSentinel from the Microsoft Store and scan your files for sensitive data, all on your Windows PC with nothing uploaded.