PDF Bench

Remove hidden metadata before sharing PDFs

Use Sanitize when you need to clean hidden info out of a PDF before sharing it. Quick clean strips common metadata. Flattened copy goes further by rebuilding each page as an image.

Best for

Sharing documents outside your organization.
Cleaning out hidden metadata before publishing or sending.
Preparing safer files for vendors or public uploads.

How to use this tool

Upload a PDF and review before-analysis details.
Choose quick clean or flattened copy mode based on risk level.
Export and review the after-analysis panel before sharing.

Choose this tool when

The risk is hidden in the file rather than visible on the page.
You are sending a PDF externally and want a cleaner copy first.
You need to choose between a lighter metadata cleanup and a stronger flattened copy.

Use a different tool when

The sensitive content is visible on the page. Use Redact first.
You only need to combine, split, or rearrange pages. Use Merge, Split, or Organize.
You need a visual draft marker rather than hidden-data cleanup. Use Watermark.

Limitations and notes

Quick clean handles the most common metadata but may not catch everything in unusually complex files.
Flattened copy can increase file size and makes text no longer searchable.
Sanitize doesn't touch visible text on the page — use Redact for that.

When to choose quick clean

You want to strip out document properties and common metadata without changing how the PDF looks or behaves.
The recipient still needs searchable text, selectable text, or a smaller file size.
You are doing a routine cleanup before sending a normal working document.

When to choose flattened copy

You want a deeper cleanup that rebuilds each page as an image, removing hidden structure entirely.
The file is leaving your organization or being posted more broadly.
You can accept larger files and loss of searchable text in exchange for a safer final copy.

What Sanitize can't help with

Visible names, account numbers, and paragraphs that are still on the page.
A bad filename that reveals something sensitive outside the PDF itself.
A sharing mistake where the wrong version of the file gets attached or uploaded.

FAQ

Which mode should I choose?

Use quick clean for low-risk cleanup and flattened copy for stronger removal of hidden structures.

Does this replace redaction?

No. Redaction removes visible sensitive text content. Sanitize focuses on hidden metadata and structures.

Should I review the file after sanitizing?

Yes. Open the output in a separate viewer and confirm it still looks right and behaves the way the recipient needs.

When is flattened copy worth it?

When the file is higher risk and you would rather trade away searchable text for a cleaner, image-based output.

Related guides and next steps

Remove metadata before emailing a PDF: A practical checklist for cleaning hidden document data before you hit send.
When to use Sanitize before sharing: Learn when hidden data cleanup matters and when another tool is the better fit.
Quick clean vs flattened copy: Pick the right Sanitize mode based on the file, the risk, and the tradeoff.

Remove metadata before emailing a PDF · When to use Sanitize before sharing · Quick clean vs flattened copy