How to Remove Metadata from Word Document? Complete Guide
When you share your document files online, hidden information called metadata can reveal your personal and sensitive information. Removing metadata from Word documents ensures your files remain professional, secure, and private.
In this guide, you are going to learn:
- What is metadata in Word documents?
- How to remove metadata from Word documents manually?
- How to scrub metadata from multiple Word files at once?
- When to use a professional software?
What is Metadata in Word Documents?
Metadata is hidden information stored in your Word DOC/DOCX files. This metadata information is not visible in your Word document content but can be easily accessed through file properties or inspection tools.
Word metadata includes:
- Author name
- Last modified date
- Creation or modification time
- Comments and tracked changes
- Hidden text
And more.
Why You Should Remove Metadata from Word Documents?
- It helps you to protect your personal information.
- It helps in maintaining the professionalism.
- You can avoid legal and compliance issues by removing metadata.
- It helps to prevent data leaks.
Method 1: Clean Metadata from Word Files Manually
If you need to clean only one or two documents, you can use the built-in Document Inspector.
Simple Steps
- Open Word, click File, and select Info.
- Click the option Check for Issues.
- Choose Inspect Document.
- Select the metadata type you want to check.
- Click Inspect and click Remove All next to metadata fields.
- Save the document.
Important Notes
- Always save a copy of your Word document before removing metadata.
- Re-run the document inspector to confirm the metadata removal.
- Manual removal of metadata from Word files is time-consuming.
- Some advanced metadata may remains in documents.
It is a good method to remove metadata from single Word document file. But if you need to remove metadata from multiple Word documents, then this process is not recommended.
Method 2: Scrub Metadata from Word using File Properties
You can also use the File Properties method to remove hidden information from Word documents.
Simple Steps
- Right-click on the Microsoft Word document file and select Properties.
- Go to the Details tab and click Remove Properties and Personal Information.
- Choose either:
Create a copy with all properties removed
Remove selected properties
This is a very basic method isn’t helpful in removing to remove deep embedded metadata.
Method 3: Remove Metadata from Word Documents using Professional Software
Lots of solutions are available online to complete this task. However, the majority of them don’t support bulk removal. Therefore, we have developed a complete solution namely 4n6 MetaRaser for Windows. It is a complete solution that successfully supports removing complete metadata properties from Word documents. The software provides multiple advanced features. With this app, it is possible to remove metadata from Word documents in bulk or selectively.
It is incredibly easy for technical and even non-technical users to use the app because of its straightforward user interface. To remove metadata from Word documents, you only need to follow a few simple steps.
Clean Metadata from Word Files in Simple Steps
1. Firstly, download Word metadata scrubber software on your Windows computer.
2. Now, install and run the application and click on Open button and choose Document Files.
3. Click on Choose Files or Choose Folders option to load your files.
3. Preview your Word documents before removing Metadata.
4. Click on Actions option and choose Clear Metadata from it.
5. Choose the required location and click on Save button to begin the procedure.
The program begins removing Word documents’ metadata. It won’t take long for this process. Hold off until the procedure is finished.
How to Check if Metadata is Removed Successfully?
- After removing all metadata from your Word documents:
- Re-open your Microsoft Word document file.
- Go to the File menu and select Info.
- Click the Inspect Document and verify that no metadata remain.
Benefits of Using 4n6 Word Metadata Removal Tool
- With 4n6 Word Metadata removal tool, one can easily remove meta from unlimited files at once.
- You can easily erase metadata properties from Word documents selectively as per your requirements.
- Also, the application allows you to choose the required location where you need to save the resultant output.
- There is no need to install supportive application to remove metadata from Word documents.
- Also, the Word Metadata Scrubber program has been thoroughly tested and is safe to use.
- Offers a 100% guarantee that all metadata will be completely removed from your Word documents.
- This Word File Meta Scrubber software protect your privacy and don’t leave any digital traces.
- You can use this Word Metadata Remover on Windows 11, Windows 10, and older versions.
People Also Ask
What are the common scenarios where metadata should be removed from Word files?
Here are the common scenarios:
- When sending reports to clients
- Submitting your documents to courts
- When publishing the academic papers
- Uploading documents to public platforms
What are the best practices for Word metadata removal?
Here are the best practices:
- Always create a backup copy of your important Word file
- Use the Save As option to create a clean version
- Inspect your Word documents before sharing externally
- Use professional software only for bulk metadata removal
- Regularly audit the sensitive files
Is it possible to remove hidden data from Word documents in bulk with this competitive app?
Yes, the application successfully supports to strip metadata from Word files in bulk at once.
How to check if a Word document contains metadata information?
Follow the below steps:
- In your Microsoft Word program, go to File menu, Info, Check for Issues, and Inspect Document.
- It will open the Document Inspector which can scan your file for metadata and hidden information.
Will removing metadata will affect the content of my Word document file?
No, erasing metadata from your Word document will not affect the content. It only removes the hidden information such as authors name, comments, and more.
The Abstract
Your Word documents contain hidden information which can expose your personal and sensitive information. Whether you are sharing your Word documents to anyone or uploading it online, removing metadata is a very important step.
We have discussed how to remove metadata from Word document files in the content above. We have explained the top methods to clean Word metadata. It is completely up to you which method you would like to choose to complete this task. If you are one of them having only one or two file, you can go with manual ways. But if you are someone who needs to remove metadata from multiple Word document files at once accurately and safely, go with the professional software.
