What metadata does a PDF store?
Every PDF carries a set of properties: title, author, subject, keywords, the application it was created in (Word, InDesign, Illustrator…), the program that generated the PDF and the creation and last modification dates. The author is often just the username on the computer of whoever made it.
Most programs also add an XMP packet with more data (document IDs, history, PDF/A conformance), and some, such as Illustrator or InDesign, store private application data that can take up a lot of space and contain information from the original file.
This viewer reads the PDF in your browser and lays everything out clearly: the document properties, every XMP field and any hidden blocks it finds. The document is never uploaded to a server.
How to view the metadata of a PDF
- Drag the PDF onto the tool or click to choose it.
- Check the properties: title, author, dates, application and producer.
- Expand XMP and Hidden data to see the rest.
- If you want to change or delete something, switch to Edit or Remove all.
What it is for
- Checking which author name shows up before you send a PDF.
- Finding out when a document was created or modified.
- Finding out which program a PDF was made with.
- Checking whether a PDF claims PDF/A compliance.
- Spotting private Illustrator or InDesign data that bloats the file.
Formats
- PDFs up to 100 MB.
- Protected or encrypted PDFs cannot be read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF is read in your browser and never leaves your device.
What is the difference between Creating application and PDF producer?
The creating application is the program the document was made in (Word, for example). The producer is the component that converted it to PDF (for example, Word’s PDF exporter or Ghostscript).
What is the XMP packet?
It is a block of metadata in XML format that repeats and extends the document properties. Some readers, such as Acrobat, give it priority.
Why won’t my PDF open?
If the PDF is encrypted or password-protected, its metadata cannot be read. It can also fail if the file is damaged.
Can I check several PDFs at once?
Yes, with ToolStudio Pro. The free try lets you check one PDF.
Is it free?
You can try it free with one PDF. ToolStudio Pro gives you unlimited use and batch processing across every tool.