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PDF Metadata: View Title, Author, and More

9 min read

PDF files can store metadata: title, author, subject, keywords, creation date, and more. This information is embedded in the file and can be used by search engines, document managers, and readers. Viewing metadata helps you check what is inside a PDF, fix incorrect or missing fields, or organise a collection. This guide explains how to read metadata in your browser without uploading the file.

What PDF Metadata Includes

Common fields include title, author, subject, keywords, creator (application that created the PDF), producer (PDF engine), and creation and modification dates. Some PDFs also store custom properties. Not every PDF has every field filled; many have only default or empty values. Viewing them tells you what is there and whether it needs updating.

When to Check Metadata

  • Organisation: Use title and author to sort or search in a document manager.
  • Privacy: Before sharing, check that no sensitive names, paths, or comments are embedded.
  • SEO or cataloguing: Ensure title and description are set correctly for discovery.
  • Debugging: When a reader or tool shows unexpected information, metadata may be the source.

Browser-Based Viewing

When the tool runs in your browser, the PDF is read locally and the metadata is extracted on your device. The file is not uploaded to a server, so confidential documents stay private. No account is required.

Use Our Tool

Our PDF Metadata tool lets you upload a PDF and view its metadata. The file is processed in your browser. Use it to check what is embedded, to organise files, or to prepare for sharing.

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