File Metadata Risk Checklist
EXIF + Office metadata — what leaks before you share
📚 Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide Click to expand
Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide
Click to expand
File Metadata Risk Checklist
Per-file-type metadata risks — what specifically leaks before you share. Photos (EXIF GPS), Word/Excel (author, comments, hidden), PDFs (creator, JS, printer dots), Videos.
How to use this tool
- 1
Pick file type
Each has different metadata risks.
- 2
See what leaks
Specific fields with examples.
- 3
Apply removal steps
Per-platform instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the actual risk?
EXIF GPS location reveals home + workplace. Word/Excel author + comments leak names + draft text. PDF can reveal source software, fonts, embedded JS. One whistleblower was outed via printer dot-pattern in leaked PDF.
Doesn't my OS strip metadata automatically?
No. Some social media (Instagram, Twitter) strip EXIF on upload. WhatsApp, email attachments, file shares: usually preserve everything.
Tools to strip metadata?
Built-in: Windows "Remove Properties" in Properties → Details. Mac Preview can't strip EXIF easily. ExifTool (free CLI). For Office: File → Info → Inspect Document.
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100% Privacy. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server.