Compare Metadata of Two Files - Free Online Browser Tool

Set two documents side by side and see exactly which properties differ.

When two files look identical but behave differently, the metadata is often the reason: one is a later revision, one was produced by a different tool, one carries a name you did not write. This shows the difference as a table rather than making you open both.

This compare metadata of two files utility runs completely inside your web browser. Your document is opened locally and processed on your own device using JavaScript and WebAssembly, so your file is never uploaded to any server. There is no signup, no watermark and no limit on how many documents you can handle.

  • 100% client-side - files never leave your device
  • Instant processing, no upload wait
  • Works on desktop, tablet and mobile
  • Free forever, no account required

Common next steps: Edit PDF Metadata, View XMP / Raw Metadata, PDF Version Inspector.

How to Use the Compare Metadata of Two Files Tool

Four steps, and the whole thing runs locally on your own device.

  1. Add exactly two PDFs

    They are read only; nothing is modified.

  2. Optionally ignore timestamps

    Useful when comparing the same content saved twice and the dates are noise.

  3. Compare

    Every property is listed for both files with a clear marker on the ones that differ.

  4. Download the report

    Differing properties are summarised at the end, and a page-count mismatch is called out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from just reading both files?

It is the same information arranged so the differences are visible without scanning two lists in parallel. On a bundle where one file is the odd one out, that is the point.

Why flag a page-count difference?

Because two documents with the same properties but different page counts are probably not the same document at all, and that is worth knowing before you rely on the comparison.

Can I compare encrypted files?

Only ones your browser can already open. Anything requiring a password you do not have cannot be read here.

Does it ignore the file contents?

No, but it does not compare them either. It compares properties. If you suspect the content differs, use the visual comparison tool instead.

Will it tell me which one is newer?

It reports both timestamps. Drawing a conclusion from them is a judgement call, because a file can be regenerated later without its content changing.