Remove metadata from XLSX files

Clean Excel workbook properties privately in your browser

Drop one file here, or choose it from your device.

One XLSX file at a time. Maximum file size: 15 MB.

XLSX cleaner

What metadata can an XLSX contain?

XLSX metadata includes workbook properties such as the author, title, company, and editing application. These details are separate from the values and formulas in the cells and may identify who prepared a spreadsheet.

Before sending a workbook outside your organisation, you can clear detected author, last-editor, date, and other supported core and app properties. The cleaner reports the exact categories it finds before removal.

The workbook is processed locally in your browser. The contents of worksheets, formulas, styles, and all other non-property parts are checked for changes. This is document-property cleaning, not complete XLSX sanitization.

How to remove metadata from an Excel workbook

  1. Choose a standard XLSX workbook of up to 15 MB.
  2. Review its detected document properties and select Remove detected metadata.
  3. Download the cleaned XLSX and review the workbook in Excel or a compatible viewer.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What XLSX metadata can File Meta Cleaner remove?

The tool removes detected core and app workbook properties, including author-related values, title, subject, keywords, description, dates, application, company, manager, and template.

Will formulas, sheets, and formatting remain unchanged?

The cleaner changes only supported property nodes and verifies that other package-entry contents remain consistent. Workbook sheets, formulas, styles, and cell values are outside the cleaning target. Review an important workbook after cleaning before sharing it.

Why are XLS and XLSM files not supported?

XLS is a legacy binary format, and XLSM can contain macros. This page accepts only standard XLSX workbooks so processing and structural verification can remain conservative.

Does this remove comments, external links, or data connections?

No. Comments, external links, data connections, custom XML, embedded content, and cell data are outside the supported document-property scope.

Will removing the author also remove names from cells?

Names written in cells remain unchanged. The cleaner removes supported workbook properties, not worksheet content. Review cell values, comments, and hidden sheets separately if they could contain personal information.