Fix wrong PDF properties
When two readers disagree about the same document, this is why.
A PDF stores its properties in two places: the old document information dictionary, and an XMP metadata block that newer software prefers. Most editors write one and leave the other, so the document ends up telling different stories to different readers. That is the cause of the maddening case where Acrobat shows the right title and the browser shows an old one. This writes both, so every viewer agrees.
How to fix wrong PDF properties
- 1
Open the PDF
Everything it carries is read out: title, author, subject, keywords, creator, producer, dates and language.
- 2
Correct what is wrong
Fix the fields, clear anything that should not be there, and set the created and modified dates properly.
- 3
Save and check
Download and open the result in the reader that was showing the wrong value. They should now agree.
Why two places, and why it matters
The duplication is a historical accident that nobody can now remove. The practical consequence is that fixing a PDF title in most editors fixes it in some programs and not others, and you never find out which until a client mentions it.
Frequently asked questions
Why do readers disagree?+
Because the document contains two copies of its properties and they have drifted apart. Software written in the last fifteen years tends to trust the XMP block; older software reads the document information. This tool keeps them in step.
Can I change the creation date?+
Yes, both the created and modified dates can be set. Be aware that changing a date on a document used as evidence or in a filing is not a neutral act; set them honestly.
What about the producer and creator fields?+
They can be edited or cleared. They normally name the software that made the file, which is harmless but does tell a reader what you use.
Is the document uploaded?+
No. Reading and rewriting both happen in your browser.