Can PDF metadata identify the author?

Yes. Author and Creator fields often contain real names or email addresses auto-populated by editing software.

How do I remove PDF metadata?

Use ExifTool, qpdf, or Acrobat. Printing to a new PDF also often removes metadata.

Is embedded JavaScript dangerous?

It can execute arbitrary code. Most modern readers prompt before running it.

Can encrypted PDFs be inspected?

This tool detects encryption but cannot decrypt without the password.

PDF Inspector

Extract PDF metadata — author, dates, software, page count, embedded objects, and security warnings.

Extract PDF metadata — author, dates, software, page count, embedded objects, and security warnings. Upload a PDF file by clicking the upload area. Review extracted metadata: author, creation date, software used, page count. Check for embedded files, JavaScript, and security warnings. Export the full metadata report as a JSON file for documentation. Reads PDF metadata directly from the raw file bytes in your browser using FileReader. No uploads, no external services. Supports encrypted PDF detection and security warning analysis.