How It Works: In-Depth File Analysis
When analyzing your PDF, we assess both the creation and modification dates along with a deeper examination of the file’s content. Our service doesn’t just check metadata; we draw upon a comprehensive understanding of how most original documents are crafted, identifying tools, fonts, and formatting used in their creation. By cross-referencing these characteristics with a large internal database of known document patterns, we can assess the likelihood that a PDF has been altered.
Understanding PDF Metadata
PDF metadata contains information about the file, such as its title, author, creation and modification dates, and the software used to create or edit it. This data can also include keywords and descriptions that help search tools find and categorize the document. Accurate metadata improves file searchability and provides context about the origin of the document. We understand date formats in various ways and time zones, but convert and display everything in the standardized dd.mm.yyyy (day.month.year) hh:mm:ss (hours:minutes:seconds) UTC format for consistency.
Our Approach to Analyzing PDFs
We utilize proprietary algorithms that analyze multiple aspects of the file beyond just surface-level metadata. This includes a close look at:
— Creation and Modification Tools: Understanding whether the file was modified using specific software helps to identify potential alterations.
— Fonts and Formatting: We evaluate font types, formatting, and other stylistic choices that may signal changes to the original document.
— Anomalies Detection: Our analysis also includes identifying irregularities in the file structure, such as unexpected modifications or unusual patterns that could suggest the file has been tampered with.
Privacy and Security
We take privacy seriously. Files uploaded for analysis are not stored permanently; only the results of the analysis are retained. Our service is designed to give users peace of mind without compromising the security or privacy of their documents.
Accuracy, False Positives, and Limitations
Our service provides a comprehensive assessment of the likelihood that a file was altered. However, the results are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. There may be instances of false positives (indicating a file was edited when it was not) or false negatives (missing alterations). While our tool is robust and sophisticated, it’s designed to be one part of a larger process for document verification.
By focusing on a comprehensive evaluation of your file’s structure and content, we aim to provide an accurate and thorough analysis of your PDF’s integrity. However, we always recommend using our results as part of a larger strategy to assess and verify document authenticity.
