How to Set PDF Metadata
PDF metadata—title, author, subject, keywords, creation date—is the document's identity card. Search engines index it, file managers display it, and digital asset management systems rely on it for organization and retrieval. Missing or incorrect metadata means your PDFs are harder to find, poorly attributed, and appear unprofessional in document listings. SublimePDF lets you view and edit all standard metadata fields.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below, then use the free tool directly — no registration or download required.
Open Tool →How to Set PDF Metadata — Step by Step
Upload your PDF
Open the Set PDF Metadata tool and upload your document. The tool immediately reads and displays all existing metadata: title, author, subject, keywords, creation date, modification date, and creator application.
Edit standard metadata fields
Fill in or correct the Title (displayed in browser tabs and search results), Author (document creator), Subject (brief description), and Keywords (comma-separated terms for search and indexing).
Set or correct dates
Update the creation date and modification date. This is important for archival documents where the metadata dates need to match the actual document dates rather than the date of PDF conversion.
Configure custom properties
Add custom metadata fields like Department, Project Name, Document ID, or Version Number. These appear in the document properties dialog and can be used by document management systems.
Save and download
Click 'Apply' to embed the updated metadata into the PDF. Verify by checking the document properties in any PDF reader (File > Properties or Ctrl+D).
Pro Tips
- 💡 Set a descriptive title rather than a filename—'Q4 2026 Financial Report' is more useful than 'report_final_v3.pdf' when the document appears in search results.
- 💡 Use consistent keyword formatting across all your organization's PDFs so document management systems can categorize and retrieve them reliably.
- 💡 For published documents, set the author to your organization name rather than an individual's name unless personal attribution is required.
- 💡 Strip metadata before sharing sensitive documents externally—author names, creation software, and revision history can reveal information you don't want disclosed.
Privacy & Security
All processing happens directly in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to any server — they remain on your device throughout the entire process. SublimePDF uses WebAssembly technology for fast, secure, client-side processing.
Works Everywhere
This tool works on any modern browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — on desktop, tablet, or mobile. No software to install. PDF is an open ISO standard supported by all major platforms.
How to Set PDF Metadata — FAQ
Does PDF metadata affect search engine optimization?
Can I set metadata for multiple PDFs at once?
What metadata should I remove before sharing externally?
Does metadata affect the PDF's file size?
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