What is PDF metadata and why does it matter for authenticity?

PDF metadata is embedded information within a PDF file that includes creation date, modification date, creator application, producer application, PDF version, title, author, subject, keywords, and other document properties.

This metadata is crucial for PDF authenticity verification because it provides a digital fingerprint of the document’s history. When someone edits a PDF, metadata often changes—modification dates update, producer information may change, and structural elements can be altered.

Our PDF authenticity checker analyzes this metadata to detect inconsistencies that suggest tampering. For example, if a PDF shows a creation date after its modification date, or if the producer tool doesn’t match the creator tool in expected ways, these anomalies indicate potential PDF modification.

Understanding PDF metadata helps you interpret analysis results and make informed decisions about document integrity and authenticity.