← All Actions

Remove Metadata¶

Prepare files for sharing by creating sanitized copies instead of rewriting the originals. Use a silent Action or open a report that shows what MenuSmith removed from each file.

• Access: MenuSmith Pro
• Finder availability: Files

See the Remove Metadata overview and screenshots on the MenuSmith website.

Add and configure¶

1. Open Action Library and find Remove Metadata.
2. Choose a starter configuration and add it to My Finder Menu.
3. Select the new Menu Action and review its settings and availability rules in the Inspector.
4. Run it from a matching Finder context.

Settings¶

• Show Report

Starter configurations¶

• Remove Metadata
• Remove Metadata with Report

Starter configurations set initial values only. Adding one does not permanently link the Menu Action to that starter.

What it can do¶

• Create sanitized copies and keep the originals
• Remove supported EXIF, XMP, document, and media metadata
• Show removed tags in a per-file report
• Process a mixed selection while reporting unsupported files

Typical workflow¶

1. Select one or more files
2. Run the silent or report-based Action
3. Share the sanitized copies MenuSmith created

Important details¶

• Encrypted and digitally signed PDFs are not rewritten.
• Unsupported or damaged files are reported without changing the original.
• Operational file data such as paths and permissions is not included in the report.

If MenuSmith asks for access, review Authorized Folders. If the Action does not appear, check Finder Integration and the Menu Action's availability rules.