How do I remove hidden data like comments and attachments from my PDF?

Open your PDF in Acrobat. Go to 'All tools' > 'Redact a PDF'. Select 'Sanitize document'. Click 'Remove all' to strip hidden content like comments, bookmarks, attachments, and form fields.

What is the difference between Redaction and Sanitize Document in Adobe Acrobat?

Feature What it does What it removes. Redaction Hides visible text and images permanently. Visible text, graphics, and images. Sanitize Document Removes all invisible data layers. Metadata, embedded content, scripts, comments, bookmarks, attachments, form fields, AI content.

What kind of invisible data does Sanitize Document remove from a PDF?

Metadata (like author and creation date) Embedded content (like hidden images or objects) Scripts and actions Comments and markups Bookmarks and attachments Form fields AI content tags

◆ Acrobat · protect

Embedded Metadata Leak

We've had two near-misses where redacted PDFs still exposed metadata. Diagnose where our redaction process fails (visu…

1ready prompt

1real task

3roles

See the prompt↓More protect workflows

When to use it

real situations

Before sharing a legal document with another company.
When sending a resume that might contain old hidden data.
After creating a PDF report that used AI tools and you want to remove AI content tags.

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

DBecome — “help me grow”We've had two near-misses where redacted PDFs still exposed metadata. Diagnose where our…+

We've had two near-misses where redacted PDFs still exposed metadata. Diagnose where our redaction process fails (visual redaction only, metadata left, or original file retained), and recommend one strict but workable step to ensure redactions are permanent and verifiable before a clerk sends a file.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file you want to sanitize in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Go to the Tools pane and select Protect.
3
In the Protect toolbar, click Sanitize.
4
When prompted, confirm that you want to remove hidden information by clicking OK or Sanitize.
5
Save the sanitized PDF to preserve the changes.
Best practiceBlog sources recommend saving a backup copy of your original PDF before sanitizing, as this process is irreversible.

In the appWith the API

After sanitizing, review your document to ensure all sensitive hidden data has been removed as intended.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

MetadataMetadata is hidden information about a file, such as who created it or when it was changed.ExampleChecking a photo's metadata reveals the camera model and the exact date it was taken.

RedactionRedaction is the permanent removal of visible sensitive information from a document.ExampleThe redaction of personal names ensures privacy for all individuals mentioned in the report.

SanitizeTo remove sensitive or private information from a document before sharing it.ExampleRemember to sanitize the document by redacting personal details before sharing it publicly.

Who does this

3 roles

Legal AssistantCompliance OfficerRecords Manager

FAQ

about this task

Open your PDF in Acrobat.
Go to 'All tools' > 'Redact a PDF'.
Select 'Sanitize document'.
Click 'Remove all' to strip hidden content like comments, bookmarks, attachments, and form fields.

Feature	What it does	What it removes
Redaction	Hides visible text and images permanently.	Visible text, graphics, and images.
Sanitize Document	Removes all invisible data layers.	Metadata, embedded content, scripts, comments, bookmarks, attachments, form fields, AI content.

It is important to sanitize a PDF to prevent accidental leaks of private information. Documents often contain hidden data like author names, creation dates, or even deleted text that is still embedded. Sanitizing ensures this invisible data is removed, protecting your privacy and compliance.

Yes, if you only use the Redact tool, your PDF can still leak sensitive information. Redaction only handles visible text and images. It does not remove hidden layers like metadata, comments, or scripts. You must use the Sanitize Document feature in addition to redaction for full security.

Metadata (like author and creation date)
Embedded content (like hidden images or objects)
Scripts and actions
Comments and markups
Bookmarks and attachments
Form fields
AI content tags