Sanitize PDF

PDF tools

Upload a PDF and remove metadata, embedded JavaScript, and attachments before sharing. Everything runs in your browser — your file is never uploaded.

What is this PDF sanitize tool?

A free, browser-based tool that strips the parts of a PDF that can leak information or pose a security risk before you share it: identifying metadata, embedded JavaScript, and embedded files / attachments. There's nothing to install and no sign-up — and because everything runs locally in your browser, your file is never uploaded to a server.

How to sanitize a PDF

  1. Upload your PDF by dragging it in or clicking the upload area.
  2. Choose what to remove: metadata, embedded JavaScript, and embedded files / attachments (all selected by default).
  3. Press “Sanitize & download” to get a cleaned copy of your PDF.

What sanitizing removes

  • Metadata — the document title, author, producer/creator software, and creation/modification timestamps that can identify you.
  • Embedded JavaScript — scripts that can run on open (OpenAction / additional actions), a common malicious-PDF vector.
  • Embedded files / attachments — files hidden inside the PDF that may carry sensitive or unwanted content.

Common use cases

  • Publishing a document publicly and not wanting to reveal who authored it or with what software.
  • Reducing the risk of a PDF received from an untrusted source before opening it widely.
  • Cleaning a file before sending it to a client so no internal notes or attachments slip through.

Why use this PDF sanitize tool

Works on Windows & Mac

Runs in any modern browser, so it works the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even phones and tablets — no OS-specific app needed.

No install, fully online

There's nothing to download or set up. Open the page and start right away — no software, no plugins, no sign-up.

Safe & private

All processing happens locally in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server, so confidential documents stay on your device.

Fast — no upload wait

Because files don't travel to a server and back, there's no upload or queue. Processing starts instantly and finishes in seconds.

Print-ready quality

The original layout, fonts, and image resolution are preserved, so the result looks right on screen and when printed.

Simple to use

A clean, intuitive interface gets the job done in a few clicks — no manuals and no PDF expertise required.

PDF sanitize tool vs. other PDF tools

Most online PDF services — including Adobe Acrobat online, iLovePDF, Smallpdf, and Canva — upload your files to their servers, and many cap free usage or require an account. Desktop software like Adobe InDesign needs a paid install. This tool runs entirely in your browser: your files are never uploaded, there's no sign-up, and it's completely free with no usage limits.

Tool / serviceWhere files are processedFree usageSign-upInstallPlatformsPrice
This toolIn your browser (never uploaded)Completely free, no limitsNot requiredNot requiredWindows / Mac / Linux / mobile (browser)Free
Adobe Acrobat (online)Uploaded to serversSign-in required to keep using; feature limitsRequired for continued useNot required (web)Windows / Mac / iOS / Android≈ $19.99+/mo
iLovePDFUploaded to servers (deleted ≈2h)Size & batch limitsNeeded for some featuresNot required (web)Web / Windows / Mac / iOS / Android≈ $7+/mo
SmallpdfUploaded to servers (deleted ≈1h)2 tasks per dayOften prompted / requiredNot required (web)Web / Windows / iOS / Android (no Mac app)≈ $10+/mo
PDF24 ToolsUploaded to servers (online, ads)Completely freeNot requiredNot required (web)All OS (browser)Free
CanvaCloud processingFree tier (watermarks / asset limits)RequiredNot required (web)Web / Windows / Mac / iOS / Android≈ $15+/mo
Adobe InDesignDesktop (local)No free version (trial only)RequiredRequiredWindows / Mac≈ $22.99+/mo
PDFGearIn your browser (online tool)Free (100MB limit online)Not requiredNot required (web)Web / Windows / Mac / iOS / AndroidFree

Pricing and free-tier limits are approximate and based on publicly available information as of June 2026; check each provider for current details.

Sanitizing PDFs, tool by tool

Sanitizing PDFs, tool by tool
ToolFiles leave your deviceFree usageSign-up
This toolNo — processed in your browserCompletely free, no limitsNot required
Adobe Acrobat (online)Yes — uploaded to serversSign-in required; feature limitsRequired for continued use
iLovePDF (free)Yes — uploaded to serversSize & batch limitsNeeded for some features
PDF24 ToolsYes — uploaded to serversCompletely freeNot required

Operated by

unbounded pioneering inc
Timothe AI

Tools by Timothe AI is a suite of free tools built and operated by unbounded pioneering inc, the company behind Timothe AI.

Ryosuke Suzuki
Ryosuke SuzukiFounder & CEO

Founder & CEO of Unbounded Pioneering Inc., the company behind Timothe AI, and an expert in machine learning and AI product development. He began his career in machine learning research at a university laboratory, then designed and built large-scale products as a software engineer at PLAID, Rakuten, and Recruit, while also driving new business development. Now specializing in generative AI and AI products, he works across both engineering and business development, and is a named inventor on multiple granted patents in web technology.

Named inventor on granted patents JP6887648 & JP7480958 · Patent pending on Timothe AI technology

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