PDF Cleaner & Sanitizer
Sanitize PDFs: remove JavaScript, auto-run actions, embedded files, metadata, comments, XFA and private data. See exactly what was removed. Free, private, no upload.
- Upload
- Options
- Download
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ No sign-up
- ✓ No limits
- 🔒 Files never leave your device
How to: PDF Cleaner
- Select one or more PDFs.
- Choose what to remove (safe defaults are pre-selected).
- Download the cleaned PDF and read the removal report.
A PDF can contain much more than its pages: scripts that run when it is opened, embedded files, form data, editing history, thumbnails and metadata that reveal who made it and with what software. FreePDF's cleaner removes these hidden parts and gives you a per-file report of everything it found – useful before publishing, sending to clients, or opening documents from unknown senders.
Common uses
- Strip JavaScript and auto-actions from a PDF received by email.
- Remove author names and software info before publishing a report.
- Delete hidden attachments from a form before sending it on.
- Prepare clean files for a document archive or court submission.
Tips for best results
- Keep 'Comments' unticked if reviewers still need the notes.
- Combine with Flatten PDF to lock form fields as plain content.
- For visible personal data, use Redact PDF – cleaning only removes hidden data.
Why use FreePDF for PDF Cleaner?
| FreePDF | Typical upload-based sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded to a server | No – processed on your device | Yes |
| Sign-up required | Never | Often for bigger jobs |
| Hourly / daily task limits | None | Common on free plans |
| Watermark on output | Never | Sometimes |
| Works offline after loading | Yes, for most tools | No |
Frequently asked questions
Why clean a PDF?
PDFs can carry JavaScript, actions that open web pages, hidden attachments and metadata such as author names and software versions. Cleaning removes these before you share or archive a file.
Will the pages look different?
No. Only hidden data is removed; visible content stays the same. Comments and links are kept unless you choose to remove them.
Is this the same as Remove Metadata?
It goes further: metadata plus scripts, actions, attachments, XFA forms and private application data.
Can it remove viruses?
It removes the PDF features that malware typically abuses (JavaScript, launch actions, embedded files), but it is not an antivirus scanner.
Is PDF Cleaner really free?
Yes. Every tool on FreePDF is 100% free with no file limits, no sign-up and no watermarks. The site is supported by unobtrusive ads.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FreePDF processes your files directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your documents never leave your device, so they stay completely private.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. FreePDF works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.