How to Edit PDF Metadata Using Editing Software (2026 Guide)
PDF metadata includes the document's title, author, subject, keywords, and creation date — stored invisibly in the file. Editing metadata improves document organization, searchability, and SEO for PDF files published online. Adobe Acrobat, ExifTool (free command-line), and browser-based tools can all modify PDF metadata.
In This Guide
What PDF Metadata Contains
Every PDF stores metadata in two places:
- Document Properties (XMP/DocInfo) — Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, Creator, Producer, Created date, Modified date
- Embedded XMP — Extended metadata that can include copyright, description, and custom fields
To view a PDF's metadata: in Adobe Acrobat, go to File > Properties. In Preview on Mac: Tools > Inspector > General tab.
Why Editing PDF Metadata Matters
- SEO — Google indexes PDF metadata. Setting proper Title, Author, and Keywords helps PDF files rank in search results
- Organization — Consistent metadata makes PDF libraries searchable and sortable
- Accessibility — Screen readers use the document Title field for PDF accessibility compliance
- Professional presentation — Remove "Microsoft Word - Document1.docx" as the title when sharing professional documents
- Privacy — Remove author names, company names, and revision history before sharing externally
How to Edit PDF Metadata
Method 1: Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat
- Go to File > Properties (Ctrl+D / Cmd+D)
- Select the Description tab
- Edit Title, Author, Subject, and Keywords fields
- Click OK and save the file
Method 2: Adobe Acrobat Reader (View Only)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) can view metadata (File > Properties) but cannot edit it. You need Acrobat Pro to make changes.
Method 3: ExifTool (Free, Command-Line)
ExifTool is a powerful free command-line utility that reads and writes PDF metadata:
- Install ExifTool from exiftool.org
- Edit title:
exiftool -Title="New Title" document.pdf - Edit author:
exiftool -Author="Author Name" document.pdf - Edit keywords:
exiftool -Keywords="keyword1, keyword2" document.pdf
Method 4: Preview on Mac (Limited)
Preview can display PDF metadata but does not offer an interface to edit most fields. For basic changes, third-party Mac apps like PDF Expert can edit metadata.
Remove Sensitive Metadata Before Sharing
Before sharing a PDF externally, consider removing metadata that reveals internal information:
- Author name — If you prefer not to reveal your name or company
- Original filename — Files exported from "Q3 Internal Report - Draft v4" expose internal naming conventions
- Software used — Creator/Producer fields reveal what software created the file
- Revision history — Some PDFs store multiple versions; Adobe's "Sanitize Document" removes these
Protect Your PDF Documents
Add passwords and secure your PDFs before sharing. Free online tool.
Protect PDFFrequently Asked Questions
How do I edit PDF metadata for free?
ExifTool (free command-line) is the most powerful free metadata editor for PDFs. On Mac, PDF Expert can edit metadata with its free tier. Adobe Acrobat Reader can view but not edit metadata — Pro is needed for editing via Acrobat.
What is PDF metadata and why does it matter?
PDF metadata is invisible data embedded in the file including Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, and creation date. It affects search engine indexing, document accessibility, organization in file managers, and can reveal private information about the document's history.
Can I remove metadata from a PDF?
Yes. ExifTool can strip all metadata with: exiftool -all= document.pdf. Adobe Acrobat Pro has a Sanitize Document feature that removes metadata, hidden layers, and embedded content. This is important before sharing sensitive documents publicly.
Does PDF metadata affect SEO?
Yes. Google indexes PDF content and metadata. A properly set Title tag improves how the PDF appears in search results. Keywords and Description fields can also influence indexing. PDFs hosted on your website benefit from the same metadata SEO principles as web pages.
How do I see a PDF's metadata?
In Adobe Acrobat: File > Properties (Ctrl+D). In Preview on Mac: Tools > Inspector. In Chrome browser: open the PDF, press Ctrl+D to view properties. ExifTool command: exiftool document.pdf displays all metadata fields.
Related Resources
- Protect PDF — Add passwords before sharing
- PDF Security Guide
- Redact Sensitive PDF Content
- Convert PDFs — To Word, images, and more