How to Sanitize PDFs and Scanned Documents Before Using AI: Complete Guide

You've got a PDF—contract, invoice, form—and you want to use AI to extract information, summarize, or analyze it. But PDFs often contain sensitive information in headers, footers, and embedded text.

This guide covers PDF sanitization for AI—sharing documents safely with AI.

PDF Risks

• Metadata: Author, dates, software
• Headers/footers: Contact information
• Watermarks: Confidential markers
• Embedded content: Hidden fields, comments

Sanitizing PDFs

1. Use "Save As" text: Convert to text first, then sanitize
2. Remove metadata: Use tools to strip author, dates
3. Redact text: Use redaction tools
4. Visual inspection: Check images before sharing

PDF to AI Workflow

1. Convert PDF to text/markdown
2. Review content for sensitive info
3. Paste to PasteShield
4. Review redactions
5. Use with AI

Conclusion: PDF Is Document

PDFs are documents with full text. Treat them like any other text—review and redact before AI.

Convert, review, redact, share.