To edit PDF metadata for free, you can use software like LibreOffice or WPS Office, or Automator on Mac, to update a PDF’s title, author, and keywords.

To edit PDF metadata, you need a dedicated software, since most PDF viewers only display these details instead of letting you change them. Mac users can run a free Automator workflow, while both Windows and Mac users can turn to free programs like LibreOffice or WPS Office to update a PDF’s title, author, subject, and keywords.

While this information is often unseen by readers, it can greatly affect the document’s accessibility and searchability, so it’s important to know how to edit PDF metadata. Outdated or incorrect metadata can also make a file harder to trust in legal, academic, or business settings.

This guide covers three free ways to edit PDF metadata on Windows and Mac, when you actually need to change it, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

PDF metadata includes a document’s title, author, subject, keywords, and creation date; these details shape searchability and organization, not the page content itself.

Mac users can edit PDF metadata for free with Automator’s built-in “Set PDF Metadata” action, with no extra software required.

LibreOffice and WPS Office are free, cross-platform tools that let you edit and re-save a PDF’s metadata on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Updating PDF metadata corrects errors, improves document categorization, or helps search engines index the file correctly.

Editing metadata can overwrite other fields or fail on password-protected files, so back up the original PDF first.

PDF metadata refers to a file’s background details that a document management system or search engine uses to identify and organize the file, without ever appearing on the page itself.

: A brief description of the document’s content

: Keywords relevant to the document’s subject

: What software was used to create the document

In legal or academic settings, where they deal with a large amount of data, PDF metadata is crucial in organizing related documents and improving their searchability. Moreover, search engines rely on a PDF’s metadata when categorizing and ranking content.

So, if you’re planning to upload your document online, it’s best to edit PDF metadata and optimize it for SEO.

. Mac users already have a built-in option, and Windows users can reach for free, open-source alternatives. If you want to see more options beyond these, our roundup of the 

 compares free and paid software side by side.

, both include a more polished built-in metadata editor. However, neither is necessary if you just need to update a handful of fields for free.

three methods that work without a subscription

#1. Edit PDF Metadata on Mac with Automator

 isn’t the same as editing metadata. macOS doesn’t let you edit PDF metadata directly in Preview since its Inspector only displays existing details. However, Automator, Apple’s free built-in automation app, can change them instead.

Here’s how to edit PDF metadata on Mac step by step:

Enter the title, author, subject, and keywords you want the file to have, and save the workflow.


Enter the title, author, subject, and keywords you want the file to have

Right-click your PDF in Finder and run the Quick Action

However, Automator edits the file in place, so keep a backup copy if you want to preserve the original metadata.

 that allows you to make edits and modifications to various file formats, and it offers a simple and straightforward way to edit metadata in PDF.

 in the upper left corner of the page. Then, scroll down and click on 

click on Properties to bring up the PDF’s metadata

Once the Properties window opens, select the 

 and update the title, subject, keywords, and comments fields.


Select the Description tab and update the title, subject, keywords, and comments fields

The advantage of LibreOffice is that it creates a new file rather than overwriting the original.

WPS Office is another option that works on both Windows and Mac for editing PDF metadata. This AI-powered Office suite offers a premium version that allows more functionality, but if you just want to edit PDF metadata, you can do so on the free version. Plus, it has a 

With that said, here’s how to edit PDF metadata using WPS Office:

Click on Menu in the upper left corner and look for Properties

 to access the document’s properties and edit the PDF metadata.


Click on Properties and edit the PDF metadata

Protect Your PDF After Updating the Metadata

Once you’ve corrected a document’s title, author, or keywords, the next risk is someone changing it back, or changing the PDF’s actual content, without your knowledge. That’s especially true when you’re sharing a finalized legal, academic, or business document where accuracy matters.

For this reason, password-protecting your PDF locks it against edits, so the metadata and content you just finalized stay that way. Here’s how to do it with 

 tool and upload your PDF file directly from your device, or use drag-and-drop function.


Type in your password and click Set password

Wait for the encryption process to finish.


Wait for the encryption process to finish

Once the encryption process completes, click 

Once the encryption process completes, click Continue

, and the file never leaves your browser during the process.

Upload your document and choose a strong password—works on any device.

Lock Down a PDF After You Finalize It

Which Free PDF Metadata Editor Should You Use?

and whether you want to edit a file in place or create an updated copy

. Mac users get the fastest option with Automator, while Windows users need LibreOffice or WPS Office.

Why and When Should You Change PDF Metadata?

You should change PDF metadata when you want to 

correct errors in the document, improve its categorization, or enhance its searchability

. Each of these situations calls for updating a different combination of fields, from the title and author to the subject and keywords.

One of the main reasons why you may need to alter PDF metadata is to 

correct errors in its information, such as the title or subject

Having incorrect or outdated information in the metadata can cause confusion for people who need the file for specific purposes and will reflect poorly on the document’s credibility. This is especially important in academic settings, where students may need certain documents for research and other purposes. Accurate metadata also makes it easier to 

 when you’re referencing it in your own work.

change the PDF metadata creation date to ensure that it reflects the latest edits 

made to the document. For example, if a legal document was amended past the creation date on the file, you may want to edit the date on the PDF’s metadata to ensure that other readers know the document is the most up-to-date version.

, so it’s important to have all the necessary information about a file to improve 

. For instance, when arranging legal contracts or agreements, having the right relevant keywords in every file will allow your document management system to group related files together for easier access later on.

 requires that electronically stored business records stay indexed and retrievable, which is nearly impossible without consistent, accurate metadata across a file set.

search engines cannot assess the document’s content

. Because of this, it’s crucial to use a PDF metadata editor tool to add keywords and an optimized title or subject to your file to boost its discoverability.

, it’s recommended to keep the description field under 160 characters to avoid truncation in search results, and using comma-separated keywords that match how people actually search.

What Common Issues Come Up When Editing PDF Metadata?

The most common issues when editing PDF metadata are losing other fields by accident when you save changes, and getting locked out of a file that’s password-protected. Both problems are avoidable if you back up the original file and confirm you have the right password before you start.

, especially when saving over the original file. For instance, some editing software can overwrite the existing metadata fields and only save the information you edited. This means that if you only changed the subject and author, then you may lose other information, such as the title, creation date, and so on.

Another common issue when editing PDF metadata is the 

lack of access to a password-protected file

. If you are going to edit someone else’s document, make sure that the file isn’t restricted and that you have the right password to access it.

, you can simply recreate the file. However, if you are unable to do so, there are several tools that you can use to 

Editing PDF metadata is a small step that makes a real difference in how a document gets found, trusted, and organized, whether you’re fixing an outdated title or optimizing a file before you publish it. Automator, LibreOffice, and WPS Office each get the job done for free, so there’s no need to pay for software just to update a handful of fields.

Once your file’s metadata is accurate, protecting the finished document keeps those details from getting changed again, whether by accident or by someone else entirely.

#1. Can I modify or remove metadata from a PDF on a smartphone?

Yes, you can modify or remove metadata from a PDF on a smartphone for free using an app like WPS Office, which offers PDF property editing on both iOS and Android. Open the file, find its properties or details menu, and update the title, author, subject, or keywords the same way you would on a desktop.

#2. How can I share files after I change my PDF metadata?

To share files after changing PDF metadata, you need to download the modified file and save it to your device. Some editors create a new copy rather than overwriting the original, so once you have the right version, you can 

, as well as any file-sharing service as usual.

#3. Can I edit metadata for multiple PDF files at once?

Editing metadata for multiple PDF files at once is possible, but only with the right tool. Automator on Mac can batch-edit metadata across an entire folder of PDFs in one workflow, while most free desktop programs, including LibreOffice and WPS Office, only let you edit one file at a time.

#4. Is it possible to edit metadata in password-protected PDFs?

It’s possible to edit metadata in password-protected PDFs 

as long as you know the file’s password

. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the password, you won’t be able to edit its metadata.

#5. Does changing PDF metadata affect the file’s visible content?

Changing PDF metadata does not affect a file’s visible content, since metadata is background information stored separately from the text and images on the page. Editing the title or author field won’t alter what a reader sees when they open the document; it only changes how the file is described and indexed.

#6. Why won’t my PDF’s metadata save after I edit it?

Your PDF’s metadata usually won’t save because the file is read-only, password-protected, or the editor requires you to export a new copy instead of overwriting the original. Check the file’s permissions first, then confirm whether your software needs an extra export or save-as step to apply the changes.

How to Edit PDF Metadata: 3 Free Methods Explained

Learn how to encrypt a PDF with different tools to protect sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access and usage of your documents.

To encrypt a PDF and keep your documents secure, you can use an online tool like pdf.net, Preview (Mac), or Microsoft Word.

This is a helpful way to protect your documents from unauthorized use, editing, and sharing. Additionally, encrypting a PDF will keep your sensitive data safe, which can also help you align with data protection policies set in force by the government or other institutions.

If you're new to PDF encryption, this guide covers why it matters, how encryption levels like AES-128 work, and how to encrypt a PDF both online and offline.

PDF document encryption is a safety procedure that helps you secure confidential information and restrict PDF access, usage, editing, and sharing.

Encrypting PDFs can help you protect documents and comply with the most widespread security regulations (HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, etc.).

pdf.net secures your files with AES-128 encryption, the same standard trusted by banks and healthcare providers.

In addition to encryption, our software allows you to add signatures to your PDFs for extra security, but also modify, highlight, and annotate text based on your needs.

Encrypting a PDF is important because it 

 helps you stay compliant with various security regulations

Let’s learn more about the encryption benefits:

You can encrypt PDFs to keep specific information a secret; this process renders data into unreadable text, which users can only access if they have the correct password.

Encryption is especially important for highly confidential documents, as it can prevent data leaks. For instance, it is recommended when securing medical and business documents containing sensitive data such as 

patient diagnoses, employee salaries, and 

Not protecting your files can lead to the revelation of such information, which can cause serious problems, damage a company’s or person’s reputation, or affect your future professional endeavors and collaborations.

, which is a common threat nowadays, as it allows you to secure personal information such as your ID card number and SSN.

And finally, PDF metadata also poses a risk of identity theft because it can reveal personal information (e.g., data about the PDF author). You can edit PDF metadata or use encryption to make them inaccessible, both of which are 

practical ways to make your personal details safe

#2. Preventing Unauthorized Editing or Sharing

 for your files and prevent unauthorized access. This can also prevent illegal sharing, because even if your file ends up where it should not be, no one can retrieve the data without the decryption password.

For example, if you sell books in the PDF format online, you can encrypt each copy and share the passcode for decrypting it with buyers.

Not having access to encrypted files also makes such PDFs non-editable and prevents any modifications to your files. Some PDFs contain instructions that must stay unchanged. Encryption ensures your files remain intact and functional.

is a top priority for businesses and professionals. Otherwise, business competitors, hackers, and other individuals with malicious intent can copy and use patents, designs, and scientific discoveries without authorization.

This can hurt the creator’s business and revenue. In some cases, misuse of intellectual property may even endanger others.

#3. Compliance with Data Security Regulations

Encrypting your files is the easiest way to comply with strict data security policies that certain countries and companies propose.

Let’s check out some well-known security regulations:

 The California Consumer Privacy Act dates from 2020 and regulates consumer rights, allowing them to know what data is gathered or sold and for what purpose.

. The General Data Protection Regulation, enacted by the European Union in 2018, requires organizations to protect the personal data of EU citizens and residents and gives individuals the right to control how their information is collected, stored, and shared.

. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued this act in 1996 to protect sensitive information in the medical industry. It grants individuals the right to know and decide how their medical data is used.

. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards are a non-governmental regulation created by the leading credit card companies. It ensures privacy protection with quarterly vulnerability scans and annual assessments, which help perform transaction audits.

So, if you fail to encrypt your documents, it might lead to unauthorized data exposure and the 

, where individuals responsible may be charged with criminal offenses.

, and here’s how to do it step by step:

button to upload your PDF manually or drag and drop it into the box.


Once you upload your document, you’ll be prompted to 

button in the top-right corner. The process is automatic and takes a few moments to complete. After this, you will find your encrypted file in your default download folder.


Our tool secures every file with AES-128 encryption, giving your documents bank-level protection the moment you set a password.

Protect Your Files Online Easily

To encrypt a PDF on Mac with Preview, follow these steps:

Check Require password to open document box

After that, type in and verify your password, and click 

However, keep in mind that this method only works on macOS and doesn't include the unlocking, signing, or editing tools that come with pdf.net.

How to Encrypt a PDF Using Microsoft Word

Encrypting a PDF using Microsoft Word works well for simple files, but 

 and back can shift formatting in documents with complex layouts, tables, or images.

That said, here’s how to do it step by step:

Open the PDF in Word (Word converts it into an editable document).


Go to the PDF drop-down menu, and select Save as PDF

PDF Encryption Levels: AES-128 vs. AES-256

PDF protection depends on the encryption standard behind it

, and understanding the difference helps you choose a tool you can actually trust.

 is the current benchmark for PDF security, replacing older, weaker methods like 

, which is now considered breakable with modern computing power. There are three AES encryption types (128, 192, and 256), but the two 

 which encrypts your file using a 128-bit key. It's the encryption level pdf.net uses to protect every file you secure, and it's the same standard trusted by banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

 uses a longer, 256-bit key, making it mathematically even harder to break. It's often reserved for highly classified files, though the practical difference in everyday document security is minimal since brute-forcing either standard is already unrealistic.

For most personal, business, and compliance needs, AES-128 encryption offers more than enough security to keep your documents safe.

Owner Password vs. User Password: What's the Difference?

PDF encryption actually relies on two different types of passwords, and knowing the difference explains exactly what your encrypted file will and won't protect.

 (also called an open password) controls whether someone can open the file at all. Without it, the PDF stays completely unreadable, this is the type of password our tool creates for you.

 (also called a permissions password) doesn't block access to the file. Instead, it restricts what a reader can do once it's open, such as printing, copying text, or editing the document.

It's worth knowing that permissions set with an owner password can sometimes be bypassed with third-party software, since the file itself isn't locked. If keeping unauthorized readers out entirely is your priority, a user password is the stronger choice.

5 Tips for Creating a Strong Encryption Password

Even AES-128 encryption is only as strong as the password protecting it. Follow these best practices when setting yours:

 Longer passwords are exponentially harder to crack through brute force.

 Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

 Skip names, birthdays, or anything easily guessed or found on social media.

Use a different password for each sensitive document.

 Reusing the same password means one leak compromises every file it protects.

 This keeps your password strong and memorable without writing it down somewhere unsecured.

 allows you to modify them further in terms of 

Here are the main features for tweaking PDFs to perfection:

If you know the password for an encrypted PDF, our 

 tool lets you remove that protection in seconds. Simply upload your file, enter the current password, and download a fully accessible, editable copy.

However, keep in mind that pdf.net cannot unlock a PDF if you don't have the password. This applies to any properly encrypted file, including one you protected yourself using AES-128 encryption.

In addition to removing the password itself, you can also remove PDF restrictions once you have access to the file. For instance, if a 

, you can make its text copyable again, permit editing, or turn printing back on.

pdf.net offers another way of protecting your files by adding signatures, which 

 by placing unremovable signatures on them.

. The software allows you to adjust the opacity and position of watermarks and logos, as well as use the batch-processing feature.

 is the right tool for you. It also allows you to change font size, color, and style according to your preferences. Moreover, proofing and similar processes are much easier with our 

, with the ability to customize their position.

You can also expand your proofing process by

. Our tool offers various colors and pen shapes, enabling you to highlight text with precision and easily draw different shapes.

 is one of the most innovative options because it allows you to 

, as well as ask questions about your file to request further explanations. Plus, you can ask for different types of analyses (e.g., content distributed in tables or bullet lists).

 or translate texts from English into numerous languages, including Italian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese, and vice versa.

PDF encryption provides the highest security levels to your documents, which helps you protect your data and prevent unauthorized file use or sharing. Whether you choose an online tool like pdf.net or a built-in option like Microsoft Word or Mac Preview, encrypting your PDF only takes a few minutes and goes a long way toward protecting your data.

As a result, you can avoid data leaks, identity theft, and other repercussions such as a damaged reputation caused by information leakage.

#1. Can I remove encryption from a PDF later?

Yes, you can remove encryption from a PDF 

. Aside from this scenario, it is impossible to reverse this process.

#2. What happens if I forget my password?

, you will not be able to access your PDF. Our unlock tool can only remove a password you already know; it cannot recover or bypass a forgotten one, regardless of the encryption level used.

Yes, PDF encryption is safe from hackers when it's backed by a strong standard like the AES encryption, which would take far longer than a hacker's lifetime to crack through brute force. On the other hand, your PDF encryption may be easy to breach if you use cheap tools for the same purpose.

#4. Can I encrypt a PDF on my mobile device?

Yes, you can encrypt a PDF on your mobile with

pdf.net since it’s fully browser based. No need for software installation or steep learning curves.

#5. What's the difference between password protection and encryption?

How to Encrypt a PDF and Keep Your Documents Secure

Talk with your documents like they're human

To teach you how to chat with your PDF, here are 23+ paste-ready prompts for summaries, data extraction, contracts, translation, and study materials.

uploading a document to an AI assistant and asking questions that are grounded in its content

. For example, instead of scrolling through dozens of pages to find a clause, you can simply ask: 

"List every payment obligation and its due date."

 The assistant reads the document, locates the relevant passages, and returns a structured answer.

This library contains 24 copy-paste prompts grouped by use case: summarizing, extracting, analyzing, translating, and studying.

Blog

How to Edit PDF Metadata: 3 Free Methods Explained

How to Encrypt a PDF and Keep Your Documents Secure

Chat With Your PDF: 23+ Copy-Paste Prompts That Get Results

What Is a Shared Space in pdf.net? A Guide to PDF Teamwork

8 Best PDF Password Removers Online in 2026: Tested & Compared

How to Remove Hyperlinks From PDF Files: 4 Simple Methods

How to Edit a PDF on iPhone Without Installing an App

7 Best PDF Tools for Remote Work in 2026: Pricing, Pros & Cons

How to Make a PDF on iPhone: 4 Quick Methods

How to Fill Out and Sign PDF Forms Online Without Printing