2026-08-20
Beyond title, author and subject, metadata may record the creating and editing software with versions, a complete revision timeline, and even capture details of embedded photos. A résumé can reveal your real name and former employer; a public document can reveal which internal template produced it.
Job applications, legal paperwork, published creative work, client deliverables — anywhere the file will "speak for you" in someone else's hands, cleaning is worth it.
"Remove metadata" clears the Info dictionary and XMP stream, covering most cases. "Sanitize PDF" goes further, optionally removing JavaScript, attachments, links and annotations and flattening forms. The nuclear option is print-to-PDF (losing searchable text).
Use view-metadata to confirm author and producer fields are empty → confirm no leftover attachments or annotations → make sure the filename itself carries nothing sensitive.