Document Metadata Viewer
Drop in a PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or OpenDocument file to see what it says about itself: who made it, with what software, when it was created and changed, and who commented or tracked changes.
Last updated
🔒 Your files never leave this device. It all happens in your browser, which is told to block this page from sending anything to other websites. Try it with airplane mode on: it still works. Check for yourself
Sent to other websites from this page: 0
How to see a document’s hidden metadata
- Choose or drop a PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or OpenDocument file.
- Read who made it, the software used, the dates and edit history, and who commented or tracked changes.
What documents give away
Office programs and PDF makers quietly record details inside each file: the author's name (usually the name on the computer or Office account), their organisation, who saved it last, the software and version used, when it was created, edited and printed, how long it was open for editing, and how many times it was saved. Word files can also hold the names of everyone who left comments or tracked changes. PDFs often keep the name of the original Word file and a history of the programs that edited them, and every time a PDF is edited and saved incrementally a new revision is added to the end of the file, so earlier versions can sometimes be recovered.
That makes metadata useful for checking a leaked or suspicious document (does the author or date fit the story?) and for making sure your own files don't reveal more than you intend before you share them. To remove it, use File → Info → Inspect Document in Microsoft Office, or export a fresh PDF with "document properties" turned off. Photos have their own metadata (camera, GPS): use the Photo Metadata Viewer.
Older binary .doc, .xls and .ppt files aren't supported; save them in the newer format first. Files are read entirely in your browser and never leave your device.
Questions about document metadata
What hidden information is in a Word document or PDF?
Often the author and organisation, who saved it last, the software, when it was created, edited and printed, editing time, and the names of people who commented or tracked changes.
How do I remove metadata from a Word document?
In Word on Windows, use File → Info → Check for Issues → Inspect Document and remove personal information. Then check the saved file here.
Can earlier versions of a PDF be recovered?
Sometimes. PDFs edited and saved incrementally keep earlier revisions inside the file, and the viewer tells you if there are any.
Is my document uploaded?
No. It’s read in your browser, so it’s safe for confidential files.