PDF Metadata Viewer
Free online pdf metadata viewer — checking what a PDF reveals before you share it.
Inspect hidden PDF metadata before sharing documents
Every PDF file carries hidden metadata embedded in its header — the document Title, original Author name, creation software, timestamps, page count, and even encryption restrictions. These hidden fields can accidentally reveal confidential internal information when PDFs are shared externally. ToolJiffy PDF Metadata Viewer extracts every metadata field from any PDF document instantly inside your browser, with zero uploads to any server.
What PDF metadata is revealed?
The PDF specification defines two metadata containers: the legacy DocInfo dictionary (embedded in the PDF cross-reference table) and the modern XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) XML block. ToolJiffy reads both to surface:
- Identification: Title, Subject, Author, Keywords
- Provenance: Creator application (e.g., Microsoft Word 2021), Producer library (e.g., Adobe PDF Library 21.7)
- Timestamps: CreationDate and ModificationDate in ISO 8601 format with timezone offset
- Structure: PDF version (1.4 – 2.0), total page count, and page dimensions in points and millimetres
- Security: Encryption status, permissions mask (print, copy, annotate, form-fill)
Why inspect PDF metadata before distribution?
Many professionals are unaware that PDFs exported from Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Adobe InDesign automatically embed the document author's full name, internal network file paths (\\server\HR\Confidential\Draft.docx), corporate software license information, and revision timestamps. Before publishing a PDF on a website, sending it to clients, or submitting it to regulators, auditing its metadata is a critical privacy step.
Legal teams use PDF metadata inspection during eDiscovery to establish document authenticity timelines. Academic journals check author metadata for blind-review compliance. Journalists verify document provenance using creation dates and producer libraries.
Browser-native zero-upload PDF parser architecture
ToolJiffy uses a pure JavaScript PDF byte-range parser. When you drop a PDF into the viewer, the browser reads the file via the FileReader API into an ArrayBuffer. The parser scans for the PDF %%EOF trailer, locates the cross-reference table (xref), reads the Info dictionary object, and decodes XMP metadata XML — all in one synchronous pass without any network request.
Step-by-step guide to reading PDF metadata
- Drop your PDF: Drag and drop any PDF file onto the viewer above, or click to browse and select it.
- Review the metadata table: All detected fields appear instantly — Author, Creator, timestamps, page count, and permissions.
- Decide next steps: If sensitive data is present, use the companion PDF Metadata Remover to strip it before distribution.
Frequently asked questions
How does the PDF Metadata Viewer work in browser memory?
ToolJiffy reads the PDF binary stream locally using a browser-side PDF parser, extracting XMP and DocInfo metadata tags including Title, Author, Creator, Producer, CreationDate, ModDate, Subject, Keywords, and encryption status.
What metadata fields are extracted from a PDF document?
Extracts Title, Author, Subject, Keywords, Creator application, Producer library, CreationDate, ModificationDate, Page Count, PDF version, page dimensions, and encryption/permission flags.
Is my PDF file uploaded to any cloud server?
No. All parsing runs 100% locally in your browser memory. Your PDF never leaves your device.
Can I see if a PDF has restrictions such as print lock or copy protection?
Yes. The viewer reports PDF permission flags: printing allowed, content copying allowed, form filling allowed, and annotation allowed status.
What PDF versions are supported?
Supports PDF 1.3 through PDF 2.0 documents including PDF/A archival, PDF/X print-ready, and PDF/UA accessibility variants.
How do I check who originally created a PDF document?
The Creator field shows the originating application (e.g., Microsoft Word) and Producer shows the PDF library used for export.
Why should I check PDF metadata before sharing?
PDF metadata may reveal author names, internal folder paths, revision history, and company software versions that should be anonymized before public sharing.
Is ToolJiffy PDF Metadata Viewer free without limits?
Yes. ToolJiffy is 100% free with unlimited document scans, zero account registration, and zero file uploads to any server.
Related PDF privacy tools
Strip metadata with PDF Metadata Remover, unlock protected files with PDF Unlocker, redact sensitive content with PDF Redact, or merge documents with PDF Merger.