How to Use MetaStrip and Which File Formats It Supports

Updated

Drop your files onto the MetaStrip page (or click to browse), review the metadata it reveals, then strip it and save the clean copy. It accepts jpeg, png, webp, gif, heic, avif, pdf, docx, xlsx, pptx, mp4, mov, mp3, m4a, flac and wav, processes up to 100 files at once, and runs entirely in your browser on mobile or desktop, online or offline.

How to use MetaStrip

  1. Open the tool. Go to metastrip.app. The drop zone sits at the top of the page.
  2. Add files. Drag and drop them onto the zone, or click to browse and select them. You can queue up to 100 files in one batch.
  3. Review what's exposed. MetaStrip reads each file locally with its own parsers and libraries (for example pdf-lib for PDFs) and shows you exactly what is embedded — GPS coordinates, device and serial numbers, camera details, timestamps, author names, tracked changes, and AI generation tags such as C2PA Content Credentials.
  4. Strip the metadata. Run the strip action. The tool writes a clean copy of the file back out to you.
  5. Save the clean copy. Download or save the output and use that version when you share.

Expected result: the file you share no longer carries the hidden fields MetaStrip displayed. The visible content of the file is not what this tool targets — it removes the metadata layer.

Verify the files never leave your device

MetaStrip states that files are processed entirely in your browser with JavaScript, with no upload, server, or temporary cache. You can check this yourself: open your browser's DevTools, switch to the Network tab, and process a file. According to the site, no request carrying your file is made. This is also why the tool works offline once loaded.

Supported file formats

Category Formats
Images jpeg, png, webp, gif, heic, avif
Documents pdf, docx, xlsx, pptx
Video mp4, mov
Audio mp3, m4a, flac, wav

If your file type isn't on this list, the site doesn't claim support for it — convert to a listed format first if that's acceptable for your use case.

What it removes, by file type

  • Photos: GPS coordinates (the site notes location can be accurate to within about 5 metres), device and serial number, camera info, and timestamps.
  • PDFs and Office documents: author names, edit history and tracked changes, and software fingerprints.
  • AI-generated images: C2PA Content Credentials and AI tags from tools such as DALL·E, Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Firefly.

When it's worth using

Use it any time a file leaves your device and you didn't create every part of it yourself. Concrete cases from the site:

  • Sending a contract to opposing counsel.
  • Posting photos to forums or marketplaces, especially photos taken at home.
  • Sending a Word document with revision history to a client.
  • Submitting AI-assisted work where disclosure affects acceptance.
  • Publishing anything anonymously, since devices fingerprint themselves.

Practical notes and limits

  • Batch size: up to 100 files per run.
  • Platforms: works on mobile and desktop, online or offline.
  • Open source: the code is published on GitHub under the MIT license, so you can inspect how parsing and stripping work.
  • Pricing: the site has a Pricing page; check it for current terms rather than assuming the tool is free for every use.
  • Scope: MetaStrip removes metadata, not visible content. If your concern is what's shown in the image or document itself, this tool won't change that.