# Remove PDF Metadata for journalists

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/journalists/remove-metadata-pdf_

Arthize lets journalists and newsrooms remove metadata from a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Removing PDF metadata strips author names, software fingerprints, timestamps and hidden properties, so a shared file doesn't leak who made it or how.

## Why journalists remove metadata from a PDF

A journalist OCRs a scanned document dump so it's searchable, extracts key tables into a spreadsheet, and redacts a source's identifying details plus metadata before publishing.

**Built for FOIA releases.** Whether it's FOIA releases, leaked documents, reports, Arthize's remove pdf metadata keeps the work inside your private workspace. Source protection is paramount; documents must be handled privately and metadata stripped before publishing.

## What matters when you remove metadata from a PDF

PDF metadata can include author name, software used and edit timestamps.

Stripping metadata prevents a shared file from revealing its origin.

Metadata is separate from the visible content.

## How to remove metadata from a PDF

1. **Open the tool** — Sign in and open the metadata tool.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the document.
3. **Clear metadata** — Arthize removes author, title, keywords and software fields.
4. **Download** — Get a scrubbed PDF.

## FAQ

### How do journalists remove metadata from a PDF for free?

Removing PDF metadata strips author names, software fingerprints, timestamps and hidden properties, so a shared file doesn't leak who made it or how. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why journalists and newsrooms can use it for FOIA releases without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to remove metadata from a PDF sensitive FOIA releases?

Yes. Source protection is paramount; documents must be handled privately and metadata stripped before publishing. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I remove metadata from a PDF?

Removing PDF metadata strips author names, software fingerprints, timestamps and hidden properties, so a shared file doesn't leak who made it or how. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### What information does PDF metadata reveal?

Removing PDF metadata strips author names, software fingerprints, timestamps and hidden properties, so a shared file doesn't leak who made it or how. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.