Remove attachments from a PDF

A PDF can carry other files inside it: spreadsheets, source documents, images or even programs. They are easy to overlook. Remove them all and share only the pages.

How it works

  1. Drop one or more PDF files.
  2. Embedded files and paperclip annotations are removed.
  3. Download the PDF without embedded files.

Works well for

  • Reports with attached source data or internal spreadsheets you do not want to share.
  • PDFs from unknown senders that may hide unwanted files.
  • Attachments shown as paperclip icons on a page and files listed in the viewer’s attachments panel.
  • Smaller files: the embedded data is really deleted, not just hidden.

Limitations

  • E-invoices such as ZUGFeRD or Factur-X keep their machine-readable XML as an attachment – removing it turns them into a plain PDF.
  • Images and fonts that belong to the pages are not attachments and stay.
  • Password-protected (encrypted) PDFs are refused – remove the password first.

Frequently asked questions

What are PDF attachments?

Complete files stored inside the PDF: at document level (listed in the attachments panel of your viewer), as a paperclip annotation on a page, or as associated files, for example the XML data of an e-invoice.

Why remove them?

They can contain data the recipient should not see, such as a full spreadsheet behind a chart, and they can carry harmful files. Removing them also makes the PDF smaller.

Is the file content deleted or just hidden?

Deleted. References to the attachments are removed and the unused data is dropped when the file is saved.

Is the PDF uploaded?

No. It is processed in your browser and stays on your device. The paid HTTP API for Pro users offers the same operation.