Metadata Cleaner Support
Help with scanning, cleaning, purchases, supported formats, and the menu bar.
Supported Formats
Metadata Cleaner supports the following file families:
Safety note: Metadata Cleaner only modifies a file when it can preserve its content and useful metadata with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Metadata Cleaner upload my files?
No. Metadata Cleaner operates 100% locally on your Mac. All scanning, metadata inspection, and cleaning happen on-device within the macOS sandbox. Your files and metadata are never uploaded to any server.
Why can I scan but not clean?
Metadata Cleaner is free to download and includes unlimited scanning so you can inspect your files and review private metadata before deciding to buy.
Creating verified cleaned copies is unlocked with a one-time In-App Purchase ("Full Cleaning"). There is no subscription, and all future updates are included.
What does "Review only" mean?
"Review only" means Metadata Cleaner found metadata in the file worth reviewing, but will not modify that file automatically.
This occurs when the app cannot guarantee that cleaning will preserve the file's content and structure exactly as intended. Metadata Cleaner is conservative by design to protect your data.
Why won’t Metadata Cleaner clean a particular file?
Metadata Cleaner follows a safety-first principle: if a file has an unsupported format variation, damaged headers, or internal structures that cannot be rewritten safely while guaranteeing complete data integrity, the app safely declines to clean it rather than risking file corruption.
Where are cleaned files saved?
Single file cleaning: A standard macOS Save sheet appears, allowing you to name the cleaned copy (defaults to [filename] cleaned.[ext]) and choose where to save it.
Batch cleaning: You select an output folder before cleaning begins. Cleaned copies of all eligible files are saved into that folder.
Does Metadata Cleaner modify the original file?
No. Metadata Cleaner never modifies the original file as part of its normal cleaning workflow. It creates a separate cleaned copy and validates its output before confirming completion.
How do I restore Full Cleaning?
If you already purchased Full Cleaning on another Mac or after reinstalling:
- Open Metadata Cleaner.
- Choose Metadata Cleaner → Unlock Cleaning… from the macOS menu bar (or click Unlock Cleaning in the app).
- Click Restore Purchases.
Make sure your Mac is signed in with the Apple Account used for the original purchase. Family Sharing is supported.
How do I use Metadata Cleaner from the menu bar?
Metadata Cleaner can remain active in the macOS menu bar for quick access:
- Drag and drop files or folders directly onto the Metadata Cleaner icon in the menu bar.
- The menu bar popover appears, summarizing detected private metadata.
- Clean files directly from the popover without opening the main window.
You can toggle the menu bar icon on or off in Settings → General → Show Metadata Cleaner in menu bar.
How do I make Metadata Cleaner open at login?
Launch at login can be enabled during the first-run welcome screen, or anytime in Settings → General → Launch at login.
How do I change the app language?
By default, Metadata Cleaner follows your Mac's system language. To select a specific language:
- Open Metadata Cleaner Settings → Language.
- Choose your preferred language from the App Language menu.
- Click Restart Now when prompted.
Supported languages: English, Español, Français, Deutsch, 日本語, 简体中文, and 繁體中文.
How do I create diagnostic information?
If you encounter an issue and wish to generate diagnostic details:
- Choose Help → Export Diagnostic Report… from the macOS menu bar.
- Choose a destination on your Mac to save the JSON diagnostic report.
The report includes application version details, environment properties, format counts, and internal error codes. It contains no file paths, file contents, or personal information. Diagnostic reports are generated locally and are never transmitted automatically.
How do I find my installed version and build number?
From the macOS menu bar, choose Metadata Cleaner → About Metadata Cleaner. The panel displays the current version and build number.
Still Need Help?
If you have a question not covered above, or if you need assistance with an unexpected issue, please reach out to us:
Email our support team directly. When reporting an issue, please mention your macOS version, Metadata Cleaner version (About Metadata Cleaner), and attach a diagnostic report if relevant:
Website: foundry.planta7.io