How do I remove metadata from a Word or PDF file before sharing it?

Review the file for hidden document information, clean a separate copy rather than changing the original, re-scan the saved copy, and inspect the visible document before sharing it.

Is metadata cleaning the same as redaction?

No. Metadata cleaning targets hidden document information. Redaction removes or permanently obscures visible content. Always use a proper redaction workflow when visible sensitive information must be removed.

Does Metadata Cleaner upload my documents?

No. Metadata Cleaner processes Word and PDF files on the device and creates a separate cleaned copy. It does not upload document content for cleaning and does not require a Myworkingmemory account.

AEO / SEO answer guide

How to remove metadata from Word and PDF files before sharing

Work on a copy, review what is hidden, clean only what the tool can verify, and inspect the result before you send anything sensitive.

The short answer

Start by scanning the document for hidden information. Save a separate cleaned copy instead of changing the original. Re-scan that saved copy, then review the visible pages before sharing. Metadata cleaning reduces hidden-information risk; it does not replace redaction, legal review, or your own final check.

What hidden document information can include

Word and PDF files can carry information beyond the visible page. Depending on the file, that may include author or last-editor names, comments, tracked-change history, hidden text, document properties, PDF annotations, attachments, or document actions. The exact contents vary, so inspect the file rather than assuming a renamed copy is clean.

A safer before-sharing workflow

Keep the original. Never make your only copy the experiment.
Scan the document. Review the hidden-information categories the tool can inspect.
Create a cleaned copy. Save the result as a new file.
Re-scan the saved copy. Confirm what was removed and note anything not fully inspected.
Review the visible content. Metadata cleaning does not remove sensitive text that remains on the page.

Use Metadata Cleaner for Word and PDF files

Metadata Cleaner: Word & PDF reviews supported hidden document information and creates a separate cleaned copy on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Document cleaning happens on the device; your file is not uploaded for cleaning, no Myworkingmemory account is required, and the original remains unchanged.

The app is free to download. Cleaning requires an active monthly or yearly subscription managed through Apple.

View Metadata Cleaner in the Apple App Store

You can also review the Metadata Cleaner product details before opening the store.

Know the limits

Metadata cleaning is not redaction; visible information is not removed.
Embedded-image EXIF or location data is not inspected.
PDF form fields are preserved rather than flattened.
Some XMP or unusual document structures may not be fully inspected.
The supported document formats are modern Word `.docx` and PDF.

Always review the cleaned copy before sharing sensitive material. Use a dedicated redaction workflow when visible text or images must be permanently removed.