Removing metadata and personal information

Last updated: 16/06/2025

Overview

Hidden metadata in files uploaded for use on websites or shared via email (such as XLSX, JPG, PDF, DOCX), can provide sensitive information to potential hackers such as your name, email address, device details, location, etc.

To mitigate this security risk, we strongly recommend stripping your files of this metadata prior to sharing or uploading to websites, social media or other platforms. If you've already uploaded documents on your websites, you may delete the metadata and simply update the document.

Solutions

Below are some options to remove metadata:

1. Windows: Right click on the file, select "Properties" and go to the "Details" tab. Towards the bottom of the window, click on the text link "Remove properties and Personal Information".
2. MacOS: Remove metadata (such as location data, creation date, etc.) from different file types. For images, you may use the Photos app to remove location data or use third-party apps like ImageOptim (external link) for broader metadata removal. For PDFs, you can remove metadata in Adobe Acrobat or use third-party tools. You can also automate metadata removal for batches of files using macOS Folder Actions and Automator.
3. Online tools
   • Metadata2Go (external link)
   • Ardasus (external link)
   • MetaCleaner (external link)