About File Metadata
What metadata is, why it matters for privacy, how to inspect it, and how to remove it safely.
What is metadata?
Metadata is “data about data.” It describes a file and how it was created — such as the author, device, software, and timestamps. Some metadata helps with organization, but certain fields can expose private details when you share files.
Common places metadata hides
- Photos EXIF and XMP tags like GPS coordinates, camera model, lens, date taken, and thumbnails.
- PDF “Info” dictionary and XMP packet, plus optional attachments with their own metadata.
- Office (DOCX, PPTX, XLSX)
docProps/within the ZIP container, plus author and revision markers. - Audio/Video ID3 or container tags for artist, device, and sometimes GPS or camera data.
Why it matters
- Location leakage: GPS from photos can reveal where you live, work, or travel.
- Identity & device fingerprinting: Author names, usernames, and company info can identify you.
- Workflow exposure: Creation dates and software details can reveal project history.
- Legal & safety risk: Sources, investigative locations, or internal document origins could be exposed.
How to view metadata quickly
- Photos: Right-click properties on Windows or “Get Info” on macOS, or use photo apps showing EXIF. For deep inspection, try
exiftool. - PDF: Many viewers show limited properties; for full detail, use a PDF metadata viewer or
exiftool. - Office: In Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, select File → Info to see document properties.
Tip: After cleaning a file, inspect the cleaned copy to confirm metadata is gone before sharing.
How removal works in our tool
- Images (JPEG/PNG): Redrawn in your browser, removing EXIF and GPS tags.
- PDF: Clears Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, and Creator fields, and removes XMP metadata.
- Office (DOCX/PPTX/XLSX): Rebuilds files without
docPropsand scrubs common author/date markers.
Important: The tool does not alter document content such as tracked changes, hidden sheets, or embedded files.
Common fields and risks
| Format | Typical Fields | Risk Example |
|---|---|---|
| Photos (EXIF/IPTC/XMP) | GPS, date taken, camera make/model, lens, orientation | Reveals home location or travel routes |
| PDF (Info/XMP) | Title, author, subject, keywords, creator, producer | Identifies author or company |
| DOCX/PPTX/XLSX (OOXML) | docProps, last modified by, revision history |
Leakes usernames or corporate identity |
| Audio/Video | Artist, device, recording location | Links content to an individual or place |
Trusted workflow tips
- Keep originals offline; share only cleaned copies.
- For sensitive cases, verify results using
exiftool. - Consider exporting to formats that naturally hold less metadata.
Quick checklist before sharing
- Always work on a copy of the original file.
- Clean the copy using Meta-Data Remover or similar tools.
- Re-open the cleaned file and confirm blank fields.
- Remove tracked changes, comments, or hidden sheets.
- Double-check embedded images, thumbnails, or attachments.
Myths vs. Reality
- Myth: “If I screenshot a photo, metadata is gone.”
Reality: Screenshots may still contain device or app data. - Myth: “PDF export removes everything.”
Reality: Many editors keep XMP and Info fields intact. - Myth: “Removing author is enough.”
Reality: Other fields like GPS, dates, and revision data remain.