Sanitize PDF
Remove hidden data before sharing a PDF.
Overview
The Sanitize PDF tool strips hidden and potentially sensitive data from a PDF while leaving the visible page content unchanged. It removes document metadata and the XMP packet, document-level JavaScript and automatic actions, embedded files/attachments, and optional-content (layer) groups. After removing the references, the document is re-saved with garbage collection so the underlying data is actually purged, not just unlinked. Processing happens on our own servers and the file is deleted afterward.
How to Use
- Navigate to Sanitize PDF from the Security & Optimization menu.
- Upload your file using drag-and-drop, Browse Files, or cloud storage (Dropbox / Google Drive).
- Choose what to remove (the hidden-data categories are selected by default).
- Click Sanitize PDF and download the result. The page lists exactly what was removed.
Options
| Option | Removes |
|---|---|
| Metadata & XMP (default on) | Author, title, subject, keywords, creator/producer, and the XMP metadata packet. |
| JavaScript (default on) | Document-level scripts, document additional-actions, and an auto-run-on-open script. |
| Embedded files (default on) | Attached/embedded files and associated-file references. |
| Optional-content layers (default on) | The layer (OCG) structure. Layer content remains but is no longer toggleable. |
Tips & Notes
Sanitize before publishing a document externally — author names, editing software, and review comments often hide in metadata.
Sanitizing is permanent; keep a copy of the original if you may need the removed data. The visible page content is not changed.
Related tools: Redact PDF · Edit Metadata