Remove metadata from Excel spreadsheets

XLSX data beyond visible cells

An XLSX package can carry workbook properties, comment authors, connections and hidden worksheets beyond visible cells. External links, media and embedded parts need separate assessment. Inspect those findings together with the workbook's formulas; a clean-looking sheet does not show whether another part holds a private dataset or dependency.

• Workbook core/extended/custom properties
• Comments/authors, hidden worksheets and connection information
• Relationships, external links, media and embedded package parts

XLSX metadata and hidden-sheet processing

The supported path processes assessed workbook properties and privacy-bearing package data, including comments and hidden worksheets. Removing a hidden worksheet changes content. A detected direct reference from a visible cell formula blocks deletion and output release. Review the source workbook and reported disposition rather than assuming every calculation dependency was assessed.

Retained XLSX data and drawings

Supported visible worksheet data and formulas are retained, and public drawings remain when their targets survive package reconciliation. This does not promise every workbook calculation, link or profile is unchanged. Open the processed workbook, review formulas and compare the intended disclosure with the report before the authorised person approves it.

• Supported visible worksheet data and formulas.
• Public drawings when their targets remain in the reconciled package.

XLSX dependencies and format limits

The cleaner checks direct worksheet references written in visible cell formulas. Detected references to a hidden sheet block removal and release. Named ranges and indirect references need separate review. This page covers XLSX; XLS and macro-enabled formats do not inherit its claim. Review the source workbook before preparing a disclosure copy.

• A detected direct reference from a visible cell formula to a hidden or very hidden worksheet blocks deletion and output release.
• Hidden-sheet removal changes workbook content; comments, external links and connections can also be removed.
• The supported scope is XLSX; XLS and XLSM do not inherit it.
• Every calculation, workbook profile or link is not guaranteed to behave as before.