How to Read a PDF's Metadata

In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of PDF metadata, uncovering what it can disclose. We'll share top methods for examining a PDF's metadata and answer common questions to enable you to utilize this informative resource fully.

Theodore Cipolla

B2B SaaS Content Marketer

Theodore is a B2B SaaS Content Marketer with over ten years of experience. He is passionate about helping professionals appreciate the value of tools quickly. 

What is Metadata?

Metadata is like the ID card for a document or file, offering details about it without revealing its actual content. It's the background information that describes what the document is, who created it, when it was created or modified, and much more. 

Understanding Metadata in PDFs

In PDFs, metadata can include the document's title, the author's name, the date it was created, keywords to describe the document's content, and any software used to create or modify the PDF.

This metadata helps in organizing, searching, and managing PDF documents more efficiently, as it provides a quick overview of the document's details without needing to open and read through it.

But how do you access all this vital information? PDF Reader Pro is a document management software that lets you to inspect a comprehensive list of available details in a PDF.

How to Read a PDF's Metadata on Windows

Use the amazing features part of the default version of PDF Reader Pro to reveal your files metadata on your Windows operating system.

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Step 1: Open Your PDF Viewer

Click "Open File" or drag the document into the drop zone.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Click "File"

Select "Properties" from the drop-down list.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 3: Find Information in the "Summary"

Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

How to Read a PDF's Metadata on Mac

Use our effective PDF metadata viewer to unlock the official metadata of your PDF on your Mac operating system.

Step 1: Open Your Document

Drag and drop or click "Open File" on the Home screen.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Click "Properties"

Access the official metadata by clicking "File" and selecting "Properties".



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 3: View the Meta Contents of PDF Files

Click "Summary" or "Attributes" to see information such as the description title and creation date.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

"PDF Reader Pro's blend of advanced features with user-centric simplicity makes it the go-to choice for educators and students alike."

Naaziyah Ismail

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Source: LinkedIn

You can also check our recommendations for resources on How to Make a PDF Fillable.

What Can Metadata Tell You?

You'll be amazed at what you can discover from our "File Information" feature. 

Details such as:

• Name: The details of your PDF file.
• Size: The PDF file size in kilobytes or megabytes. 
• Title: The title the author used for the PDF.
• Author: The individual(s) who wrote or created the PDF.
• Location: Where your PDF is saved.
• Version: Ensure you have the right or most updated edition.
• Pages: The number of pages a PDF contains.
• Creator: The person who created the PDF.
• Producer: This detail isn't generally associated with PDFs.
• Date created: The day, month, and year the PDF was made.
• Date modified: Know when someone edited the PDF's contents or format.
• Encrypted: Know if a password, or some other type of encryption protection, was added to the PDF.
• Allow copying: Whether you can highlight and copy images, text, or tables in the PDF or not. 
• Allow printing: Can you print the PDF or not?