CheckBefore
Check a file

FREE DOCX SHARING CHECK

Remove Author Metadata from a Word Document

The name shown on a document page is not the only identity a DOCX file can carry. This focused check looks at supported Word package properties and creates a separate cleaned copy when safe removal is available.

Processed locally in your browserYour original stays unchanged. The file and filename are not uploaded for a standard scan.

PRIVATE SCAN WORKSPACE

Check a file before it leaves your hands.

Start with 2 free checks — no account needed.Original stays unchanged.

Processed locally
⌁ Your original stays on this device◌ No account needed for a free check

Choose a file or drop it here

SUPPORTED COVERAGE

What can be detected

  • Author and last modified by
  • Title, subject, keywords, category, created and modified dates
  • Company, manager, and template fields
  • Custom document properties
  • Comments that may contain separate author information

CLEAR NEXT STEPS

What can be cleaned—and what needs you

Can be removed

Supported identity fields

Author, last modified by, title, subject, keywords, category, and custom properties are eligible for supported cleanup.

Review required

Other application properties

Created or modified dates, company, manager, and template can be detected; the rescan shows fields that the current cleaner leaves in the copy.

Can be removed

Comment authors

Comment records are a separate finding and can be removed using the supported comments cleanup action.

EXAMPLE — NOT A LIVE SCAN

Example findings

Real results use the same label-and-value structure and depend on the file you select. These examples do not claim a risk score or finding count.

Word propertiesExample
  • AuthorExample author
  • Last editorExample editor
  • CompanyExample organization

Document body text stays untouched.

Example author and property fields CheckBefore can show in a separate, local check.
Author
Example author name
Last modified by
Example editor name
Company
Example organization

ONE LOCAL WORKSPACE

How it works

  1. SelectChoose a supported file from this device.
  2. UnderstandReview the evidence and the stated scan limits.
  3. CleanCreate a separate copy with only supported items removed.
  4. RescanCheck the latest copy again and review anything left unchanged.

HONEST BOUNDARIES

What CheckBefore does not do

  • It does not read, redact, rewrite, or anonymize visible document body text.
  • Tracked changes, hidden text, external links, embedded objects, macros, ActiveX, and signatures are reported for review rather than changed automatically.
  • A completed check covers supported DOCX structures only; it is not a guarantee that a document is safe to share.

Frequently asked questions

Will the original Word document be changed?

No. Supported cleanup creates a separate copy, keeps the original unchanged, and rescans the new copy.

Are all Word properties removed?

No. The current cleaner removes a defined set of supported fields. The rescan is important because other app or date properties can remain.

Does removing author metadata anonymize the document?

No. Visible text, names in the document body, revisions, filenames, and other context may still identify someone.

Check and Remove Metadata from a Word DocumentCheck a DOCX locally for author, last editor, document properties, comments, tracked changes, hidden text, links, and embedded content before sharing.Remove Word CommentsCheck a Word document for comments before you share it.Check Word Tracked ChangesDetect tracked changes in a Word document before sending it.Check a Word File Before SendingScan a Word document locally for common sharing risks.

See all supported file checks on the CheckBefore homepage