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Anonymize Research for Double-Blind Review
Ensure your manuscript is truly anonymous with our free PDF Metadata Scrubber. Built specifically for researchers and academics, this tool strips hidden identifying information—such as your name, institution, and document history—directly in your browser. By processing files locally, your sensitive research never touches an external server, guaranteeing 100% privacy and compliance with journal submission guidelines.
How to Scrub PDF Metadata
- 01. Select File: Drag and drop your research PDF into the secure upload zone.
- 02. Identify Tags: The tool targets fields like “Author,” “Creator,” and “Producer.”
- 03. Instant Strip: Click “Scrub & Save” to overwrite metadata with empty values.
- 04. Download Clean: Save the anonymized version, ready for peer-review submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific metadata is removed?
The scrubber removes the Author, Title, Subject, Keywords, Creator (the software used), and Producer tags. These are the primary fields journal editors check for anonymity.
Is my research paper uploaded to a server?
No. This tool uses client-side JavaScript APIs. All processing happens inside your browser’s memory. Your file is never transmitted to the internet.
Will scrubbing metadata change the formatting of my PDF?
No. The tool only edits the “Info Dict” and XMP metadata blocks of the PDF binary. Your text, figures, and formatting remain exactly as they were.
Is this tool free for academic use?
Yes, this is a completely free resource designed to help the global research community streamline the double-blind peer review process.
Do I need to install any software or plugins?
No installation is required. It works on any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) on both desktop and mobile devices.
Can journals still see my identity after using this?
This tool removes standard electronic metadata. However, ensure you have also removed your name and affiliations from the actual text of the document before scrubbing.