PDF Tools

PDF Metadata Editor

Read and edit PDF metadata including title, author, subject, and keywords.

Select a PDF file to edit metadata

Upload a PDF file to get started

What is the PDF Metadata Editor?

PDF metadata is structured information embedded in a PDF file that describes the document but does not appear in the visible text. It includes properties like the document title, author name, subject, keywords, creation date, and application that created it. The PDF Metadata Editor is a tool that lets you read and modify these properties directly, making PDFs easier to organize, search, and manage across your files.

How it works

Upload your PDF file to the tool. The editor reads the internal metadata dictionary (a hidden header section in the PDF) and displays all readable fields. You can then edit fields like the title, author, subject, and keywords, then save the updated PDF. The new metadata is written back to the file while the document pages and layout remain unchanged. Some metadata (like creation date) may be locked or read-only depending on the PDF's structure.

Examples

InputResultNotes
A scanned report with title 'Report.pdf', no author, no subjectEdit to title='Quarterly Sales Report 2024', author='John Smith', subject='Q4 Analysis'Makes the file easier to search and identify in file explorers and document management systems.
A downloaded invoice PDF with empty keywords fieldAdd keywords='invoice, 2024, vendor, accounting' for better indexingImproves searchability in email, backup systems, and document databases.
An old PDF created by anonymous software, created date in 1970Update author to your name, verify the creation date reflects the actual dateEnsures the document metadata reflects its true source and creation time.

How to use the PDF Metadata Editor

  1. Upload or drag and drop your PDF file into the editor
  2. Review the displayed metadata fields (title, author, subject, keywords, creation date, etc.)
  3. Click on any field to edit it directly
  4. Add or remove keywords and other optional fields as needed
  5. Click 'Save' or 'Download' to save your changes to a new PDF
  6. Download the updated PDF with the new metadata embedded

Benefits

  • Organise PDFs by author, title, and keywords for easier retrieval
  • Protect privacy by removing author names and personal metadata before sharing
  • Improve document searchability in email clients, cloud storage, and content management systems
  • Add professional metadata to reports, proposals, and business documents
  • Fix incorrect or missing metadata from scanned or downloaded PDFs
  • No software installation required—works entirely in your browser

Tips & common mistakes

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all metadata can be edited—some PDFs have locked or encrypted properties that cannot be changed
  • Forgetting that metadata is not visible to end users—editing it does not change what readers see on the page
  • Using non-standard or overly long keywords that don't improve search or sorting
  • Changing the author name without documenting who actually made changes (consider using comments or revision tracking)

Tips

  • Use consistent, simple keywords (e.g., 'invoice', 'invoice-2024', 'vendor') so your PDFs cluster together in searches
  • Always include a meaningful title and subject; these fields are often displayed in file managers and document pickers
  • Before sharing a sensitive PDF, check the author and creation metadata—consider removing or anonymising them
  • Keep author and subject fields short (under 100 characters) for compatibility with older PDF readers

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit PDF metadata without changing the document content?

Yes. The PDF Metadata Editor modifies only the hidden properties (title, author, keywords, etc.) and leaves the document pages, text, and layout completely unchanged.

Is my PDF file uploaded to a server or kept private?

This depends on the tool's privacy policy—most free online editors process files in your browser only, but you should verify. Never upload sensitive documents unless you trust the provider.

Can I see the metadata in the PDF after editing?

Not on the visible pages. Metadata is hidden. To view it, open the PDF in Adobe Reader or your editor again and check File > Properties or Info.

What metadata fields can I edit?

Common editable fields include Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, Creator (application), Producer, and sometimes CreationDate. Some fields may be read-only depending on the PDF's encryption.

Why would I need to edit PDF metadata?

Common reasons include organising files, improving searchability in document systems, removing personal information before sharing, and adding professional details to reports.

Can I edit metadata for multiple PDFs at once?

Most free tools handle one PDF at a time, but some allow batch uploads. Check the tool's features for bulk editing options.

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FreeTooz Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 2026

Reviewed for accuracy. Results are estimates for general information and are not professional (medical, financial or legal) advice.