PDF MetaClean

Remove sensitive metadata from PDF files before you share them. One command, three modes.

Why

A PDF exported from your business software can silently carry your name, company, software, and even editing timestamps — freelancers leak their identity this way all the time. PDF MetaClean strips it all.

Install & Run

pip install -r requirements.txt

# Inspect what's hidden in a PDF
python -m tools.pdf-metaclean report.pdf

# See the full metadata list
python -m tools.pdf-metaclean report.pdf --verbose

# Write a sanitized copy
python -m tools.pdf-metaclean report.pdf --clean
# -> report_clean.pdf

# Overwrite the original
python -m tools.pdf-metaclean report.pdf --in-place

# Verify the tool works on your machine
python -m tools.pdf-metaclean --self-check

Options

Why the byte-level strip

pypdf silently re-injects /Producer on every write. PDF MetaClean strips the PDF /Info trailer entry at the byte level after writing, so no metadata can survive — verified by the built-in self-check.

Support the Project

PDF MetaClean is free and open source. Like it?

• Get your site audited — €49 — I run the audit and send you the fixes
• Buy me a coffee — one-time support

Report a bug

Found a bug or something weird? Run:

python -m tools.pdf-metaclean --report

This opens a pre-filled email. Send it and I'll get notified automatically.

You can also email danyblitz@googlemail.com directly. Use the subject format:

[TOOL-REPORT] pdf-metaclean <what happened>

Attach the PDF or log output if you have one.

License

MIT