Most digital files contain hidden data called metadata. While often harmless, it can reveal personal details, locations, or editing history you may not want to share. This guide explains what metadata is, why removing it matters, and the tools you can use to clean your files safely.
When you share a file online, you may be giving away more than you think. Hidden inside most digital files is metadata – this is essentially background information about the file. Depending on the type of file, metadata could reveal:
- Author names
- Device or software used to create the file
- Dates and times of edits
- GPS location data (common in photos and videos)
- Revision history
For businesses and individuals alike, leaving metadata in files can be a privacy risk. For example, a Word document sent to a client might reveal your computer username, or a photo uploaded to social media could expose your exact location. This is particularly worrying for children using social media.
This is where metadata removers come in.
Why remove metadata?
Removing metadata is important for several reasons. First, it protects privacy and security by preventing personal details or sensitive business information from being unintentionally shared. It also helps maintain professionalism, ensuring that files sent to clients or colleagues are clean and free from unnecessary background data.
For organisations, metadata removal can be a key part of compliance, particularly with data protection standards such as GDPR, which require careful control of shared information. In some cases, removing metadata can even slightly reduce file size, making documents leaner and easier to manage.
How do you remove metadata?
You can strip metadata manually (if you know how) or use tools to do it for you. Most modern software (like Word, Photoshop, or macOS Preview) has built-in options to check and remove metadata. However, for batch processing or stronger control, dedicated metadata removers may be more effective.
Here are five tools that you could consider based on your needs, technical expertise and budget. Please note: always do your own research as well to make sure you are choosing a tool that’s reliable, safe, and appropriate for your specific files and circumstances.
1. Exiftool
What it is: ExifTool is a software tool you run by typing simple text commands instead of clicking through menus. It can show you, change, or remove the hidden information stored inside almost any type of file, including photos, videos, documents, and audio.
Pros:
- Extremely powerful and flexible
- Supports nearly every file type
- Free and open-source
Cons:
- Steep learning curve and probably tricky to use for non-technical users
- No visual interface unless you install a third-party front end
2. MetaCleaner
What it is: MetaCleaner is a free web-based service that removes hidden metadata from files such as PDFs, Office documents, images, and videos. It’s designed to be quick and accessible, letting you drag and drop files into the browser and download clean versions without extra steps.
Pros:
- Free and easy to use (with limits), no installation needed
- Works with a wide range of file formats
- Drag-and-drop interface is simple for all users
- Can process multiple files at once
Cons:
- Files are uploaded to external servers, which may raise privacy concerns for sensitive data
- Relies on an internet connection
- Limited customisation – you can’t pick which metadata to keep or remove
- Less powerful than advanced desktop tools
3. Metadata2Go
What it is: Metadata2Go is an online tool that lets you upload a file and instantly view or remove the metadata inside it. It supports a wide range of formats, from images and videos to documents and audio, and works entirely through your web browser.
Pros:
- No installation required – works directly online
- Simple interface, easy for non-technical users
- Handles many different file types
- Free for a free trial and not too expensive once you sign up
Cons:
- Privacy risk if you upload sensitive files to a third-party server
- Limited options compared to advanced tools like ExifTool
- Requires an internet connection
- Not ideal for batch processing or large files
4. Pics.io
What it is: Pics.io offers a metadata remover that is a free, browser-based tool that lets you upload (or drag and drop) images, videos, or documents to view and remove embedded metadata. It supports many file formats (PDF, DNG, NEF, ARW, etc., plus JPG, PNG, GIF, MOV, MP4) without needing to install anything or create an account.
pics.io
Pros:
- Free and easy to access from any device/browser
- Supports a wide variety of file formats (images, video, documents) so you don’t need several tools
- Drag-and-drop upload makes it usable even for non-technical users
- No login required, no browser extensions, no software installs
- automatically deletes uploaded files after processing, which helps with privacy
Cons:
- Because it’s web-based, you have to upload your file to their server — potential privacy risk especially for sensitive or confidential data
- Less control over which specific metadata fields to keep vs remove (you may lose some metadata you wanted to retain)
- May be slower for large files or multiple files in sequence compared with local tools
- Reliance on internet connectivity; not usable offline
5. Adobe acrobat pro
What it is: Adobe is a commercial PDF editor that includes metadata removal tools.
Pros:
- Industry-standard for working with PDFs
- Built-in “remove hidden information” feature
- Integrates with professional workflows
Cons:
- Subscription cost is high
- Overkill if you only need metadata stripping
In summary
Removing metadata is about controlling what your files are showing without you realising. For casual users, built-in tools or simple online services may be enough. For businesses or power users, tools like exiftool or MAT2 provide stronger, repeatable processes.
If you handle sensitive files regularly, set up a standard step in your workflow to strip metadata before sharing. It’s a small action that can prevent big headaches.
