Edit PDF Metadata

Edit metadata fields in your PDF document including title, author, subject, and keywords.

Click to select a file or drag and drop

A single PDF file

Your files never leave your device.

What is PDF Metadata?

PDF metadata (also called document properties) is hidden information embedded in PDF files that describes the document's content, authorship, and other details. This information is not visible on the page but is stored within the file and can be viewed by most PDF readers.

Common PDF metadata fields include:

  • Title: The document title displayed in PDF readers
  • Author: Creator or owner of the document
  • Subject: Brief description of the document's content
  • Keywords: Search terms for document classification
  • Creation Date: When the document was originally created
  • Modification Date: Last time the document was edited
  • Creator: Application that created the document
  • Producer: Application that converted to PDF

Why Edit Metadata?

  • ✓ Improve document organization
  • ✓ Enhance searchability
  • ✓ Protect privacy
  • ✓ Standardize company documents
  • ✓ Prepare for publishing
  • ✓ Add custom information

How to Edit PDF Metadata

1

Upload PDF

Drag and drop or select your PDF file. Processing happens locally in your browser - your files never leave your device.

2

Edit Metadata

Fill in standard fields (title, author, keywords) and add custom metadata. Dates can be set using the datetime picker.

3

Download PDF

Download your updated PDF with new metadata. Original content and formatting remain completely unchanged.

Best Practices for PDF Metadata

Recommended Practices

  • Use consistent naming conventions for organizational documents
  • Include relevant keywords for better searchability
  • Set accurate creation dates for document management
  • Use custom fields for internal tracking numbers or categories

Privacy Considerations

  • Metadata may contain personal information (author names, software versions)
  • Use Sanitize PDF to remove sensitive metadata before sharing
  • Custom fields may not be supported by all PDF readers
  • Consider using Remove Metadata for public documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Our editor supports all standard PDF metadata fields plus custom fields:

  • Standard fields: Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, Creator, Producer
  • Date fields: Creation Date, Modification Date
  • Custom fields: Add any key-value pairs (not all readers support these)
  • Preserved fields: Page count, PDF version, encryption status remain unchanged

No, metadata editing does not affect the visible content of your PDF:

  • Text, images, and formatting remain completely unchanged
  • Page layout and design are preserved
  • File size changes minimally (metadata is very small)
  • Digital signatures and form fields are not affected
  • Encryption status remains the same (use Decrypt PDF first if encrypted)

Custom fields allow you to store additional information in your PDF:

  • Usage: Add internal tracking numbers, project codes, categories, etc.
  • Limitation: Not all PDF readers display custom fields
  • Viewing: Use our View Metadata tool to see all fields
  • Compatibility: Best viewed with Adobe Acrobat or advanced PDF readers
  • Format: Stored as simple key-value pairs in the PDF's XMP metadata

Password-protected PDFs require decryption before metadata editing:

  • First use Decrypt PDF to remove password protection
  • Then edit metadata using this tool
  • Optionally re-encrypt with Encrypt PDF after editing
  • Owner passwords (permissions) may also need to be removed
  • Digitally signed PDFs cannot have their metadata altered without breaking the signature

Yes, metadata changes are permanently saved to the PDF file:

  • Changes are saved to a new PDF file (original is not modified)
  • Metadata is embedded in the file structure
  • Changes persist across all PDF readers and operating systems
  • Can be edited again later if needed
  • Use View Metadata to verify changes

Related PDF Tools

View Metadata

Inspect PDF document properties

Remove Metadata

Strip hidden data from PDF

Sanitize PDF

Clean PDFs for secure sharing