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A ZIP archive records more than the files inside it. It stores the date and time each file was last saved, which shows when you worked, and it can hold a comment for the whole archive and for each file. Packing a folder on your computer therefore tells the recipient when you edited every file. A ZIP metadata remover sets all dates to the same fixed value and deletes the comments, then writes the archive again with the files unchanged. Drop a .zip file in the box above to see what it holds.
What a ZIP archive remembers
| Where | What is stored | Example |
|---|---|---|
| File dates | The date and time each entry was last modified | 2024-05-06 07:08 for the file you edited at dawn |
| Archive comment | A free-text note stored at the end of the archive | “Packed by Jane from her laptop” |
| File comments | A note on individual entries | “final version, do not share” |
Where the details come from
- The archiver copies each file’s modification time into the archive.
- Some tools add a comment when packing.
- Re-zipping keeps the dates of the original files.
What the remover deletes, and what it keeps
| Removed | Kept |
|---|---|
| The save date and time of every file (set to a fixed date) | Every file inside, byte for byte |
| The archive comment | Folder structure and file names |
| Comments on individual files |
How to remove metadata from a ZIP archive
- Drop your ZIP archives in the box at the top of the page, or choose them from your device. You can add many files at once.
- Press the clean button. Each file shows what was found and removed.
- Read the report. Anything that could still identify someone is listed as remaining, so nothing is hidden from you.
- Download the clean copy. One file downloads as it is; several come as one ZIP.
Is it safe to clean a ZIP archive online?
Yes. ZIP archives are cleaned entirely in your browser: the file is read, rewritten and handed back as a download without leaving your device. You can confirm it by opening the network tab of your browser while you clean a file, where no upload appears. If you use the API or the MCP server, the file is processed on our server, held only for the length of the request, and deleted within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do the files inside change?
No. Each file is copied unchanged. Only the dates and comments of the archive entries change.
Does it clean the files inside the archive?
No. The files inside keep their own metadata, such as a photo’s EXIF. Clean those first with the matching tool, then zip them.
Does it work on 7z and RAR?
No. Only the ZIP format is supported.
Can I clean ZIP archives with the API?
Yes. Send the file to POST /api/v1/clean/document with your API key and its name in the X-Filename header. It returns the clean file and reports what was removed in the response headers. The MCP server does the same for AI assistants.
How many files can I clean?
Guests and free accounts have a daily allowance and a file-size limit, shown above the drop box. Paid plans raise both. Documents, images, PDFs and audio share one daily allowance.