What does Sanitize PDF do?
Sanitize PDF is a free online tool that can rewrite PDF structure with qpdf and Ghostscript; check hidden content afterward. The PDF result from Sanitize PDF is a separate copy to inspect before you use it elsewhere. One possible use is complex pdfs rewritten for structural inspection.
Sanitize PDF rebuilds the file with qpdf and then writes a new version through Ghostscript. The first stage changes stored parts and removes unused parts before the second engine rewrites the PDF.
This can make the file's structure simpler, but the page name is not a safety check. A file may still show private text, carry fields or include data you did not want to share.
Write down what needs to be absent before you start the task. Check those items in the new file with tools that can read them.
For a high-risk file, use a full review rather than treating this rewrite as proof of safety. A rebuilt PDF can still show every name printed on its pages.
Cleanup of file structure is not secure removal of private content. Check visible wording as well as file properties.
Keep a source copy if the rewrite changes a needed feature. Use a separate redaction process for secrets that must be removed.
Rewrite and inspect a PDF structure online: steps
Before using Sanitize PDF, decide what the new copy must contain and where it will be used. Keep the source and list visible text, attached files, file tags and active fields that need to be checked. Review the upload area and all values required by the current Sanitize PDF form.
Choose the source
Inspect visible identifiers before sharing a rebuilt file. For Sanitize PDF, choose one source from your device. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
The Sanitize PDF form has no extra task settings. Check the source in the file area.
Run the file task
Use Process Sanitize PDF after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Check the new file's tags, search text, pages and fields, and look for each item on your removal list. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Rewrite safely: uses for Sanitize PDF
Sanitize PDF can help with legacy exports simplified before format support testing. It can also be used for non-sensitive files reviewed for leftover hidden file tags. The PDF result from Sanitize PDF must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- Complex PDFs rewritten for structural inspection.
- Legacy exports simplified before format support testing.
- Non-sensitive files reviewed for leftover hidden file tags.
- Copies prepared for an extra security assessment.
Formats and limits for Sanitize PDF
The Sanitize PDF form accepts PDF sources. Each Sanitize PDF upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the Sanitize PDF page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
The rewrite does not prove a file is safe. It cannot promise that all scripts, private text or harmful data are gone.
How this tool works
Sanitize PDF uses qpdf and Ghostscript to handle the source on the server. The Sanitize PDF request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by Sanitize PDF before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For Sanitize PDF, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
Sanitize PDF questions and answers
If Sanitize PDF gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from Sanitize PDF as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare Sanitize PDF with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using Sanitize PDF?
Check forms and links after the structure rewrite. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try Remove PDF Metadata?
Remove PDF Metadata offers another task beside Sanitize PDF: remove PDF metadata tags with ExifTool. Remove PDF Metadata returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Sanitize PDF matches a listed input type for Remove PDF Metadata.
Why try Flatten PDF?
Flatten PDF offers another task beside Sanitize PDF: rewrite a PDF with Ghostscript; inspect forms and annotations afterward. Flatten PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Sanitize PDF matches a listed input type for Flatten PDF.
Why try Repair PDF?
Repair PDF offers another task beside Sanitize PDF: attempt to rebuild a broken PDF structure. Repair PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from Sanitize PDF matches a listed input type for Repair PDF.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed Sanitize PDF result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with Sanitize PDF?
Contact support with the Sanitize PDF page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.