How to Check PDF Metadata & Edit History
Metadata is the document’s paper trail: when it was created, what software touched it, and whether it was saved again after signing. PDF Verified surfaces this metadata and revision history so you can judge a file for yourself.
Step by step
- Upload the PDF at /verify.
- Open the metadata and revision section of the report.
- Compare creation vs last-modified timestamps.
- Note any producer changes or appended revisions.
What to look for
- Creation date far apart from modification date
- A producer / editor that doesn’t match the claimed source
- Multiple incremental save revisions
- Stripped or blanked-out metadata fields
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to check pdf metadata?
Yes. Upload the PDF to the PDF Verified checker and get a verdict for free — no account needed. The file is analysed and not shared.
Do I need the original to compare against?
No. If the document was sealed by PDF Verified, the SHA-256 fingerprint is embedded and checked automatically. For any other PDF, the forensic checker inspects the file's own structure, metadata, and revision history.
Is my document kept private?
The file is processed only to produce the verdict and is not published or shared. Verification of a PDF Verified document can also be done with just the QR code or short code — without uploading the file at all.
More verification guides
- How to Check if a PDF Was Edited or Modified
- How to Verify a Signature Is Authentic
- How to Detect Document Tampering & Forgery
- How to Validate a Digital Signature in a PDF
- Verify a Signed PDF Online — Free
- How to Check Document Authenticity Online
- How to Verify a Certificate of Completion
- How to Tell if a Document Was Photoshopped or Altered
- Verify a Document Without an Account or Software