The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To check a document’s metadata, inspect its properties and hidden-content findings in the application that opens it. To verify a file hash, calculate its SHA-256 digest and compare it with a checksum from a source you trust. These checks answer different questions: metadata may reveal information stored in a document, while a matching hash shows that the file’s bytes match a reference. Neither check alone proves who created or issued the file.
What metadata and file hashes can tell you
| Check | What it examines | What you need to interpret it | What it can establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metadata inspection | Document properties and, depending on the tool, hidden or less visible content. | Context about the file format and application; an inspector may not detect every form of hidden content. | Which properties or inspectable content are present. It does not, by itself, verify file integrity or authenticate an author. |
| SHA-256 hash comparison | The file’s bytes, represented by a digest. | A trusted reference checksum for the expected file. | Whether the checked file matches the reference value. It does not identify who created or supplied it. |
| Digital signature or certification check | Signature and certification evidence associated with a signed document. | A means to inspect and validate that signature evidence. | For authenticated government PDF seals, the U.S. Government Publishing Office describes checking certification validity, changes since certification, and whether the signer identity was valid when the signature was applied. |
Keep these checks separate: a document can have revealing metadata but still match a reference hash, and a hash match does not establish that the reference itself came from an authentic issuer.
How to check a digital document’s metadata in Word
Word for Microsoft 365 desktop
- Open the document in Word.
- Select File > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document.
- Choose the categories you want Word to inspect, then run the inspection.
- Review the findings before deciding whether to remove any information.
Word document properties can include the author, subject, title, person who most recently saved the file, and creation date. The Document Inspector can also report comments, revision marks, versions, annotations, personal information, hidden text, custom XML, and invisible content. Microsoft notes that the inspector has limits: for example, it may not detect text hidden by formatting it white on a white background. Treat a clean inspection as a report on the categories the tool can detect, not proof that the file contains no concealed information. See Microsoft’s Document Inspector guidance.
Word for Mac and Word for the web
Microsoft says Word for Mac does not include the Document Inspector. To view or edit properties in Word for Mac, use File > Properties. The cited Microsoft guidance says Word for the web does not support viewing or changing document properties. Interface labels and availability can change as Microsoft updates Word.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Remove information carefully
If you want to remove metadata or hidden content before sharing, make a copy of the original first. Microsoft warns that information removed by the Document Inspector may not be recoverable with Undo. Inspect the copy, select only the categories you intend to remove, and run the inspection again to review the outcome. Removal is a separate action from inspection; do not assume that every finding should be deleted.
How to calculate a SHA-256 file hash
Use the command for your operating system, replacing file with the actual filename or path. Apache’s published examples are:
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
| Operating system | Command |
|---|---|
| Windows | certUtil -hashfile file SHA256 |
| Linux | sha256sum file |
| Mac | shasum -a 256 file |
For example, if the file is in your current folder, replace file with its filename; if it is elsewhere, use its path. The command prints a digest. It calculates a value from the file contents, but does not tell you whether that value is the correct one for the document you intended to receive.
How to verify the hash against a reference
- Obtain the expected SHA-256 checksum from a source you trust, such as the official publisher of the file.
- Calculate the SHA-256 hash of the file you received using the command for your operating system.
- Compare the complete calculated value with the published checksum. A match means the checked file corresponds to that reference under SHA-256; a difference means it does not match.
Apache’s release-verification guidance emphasizes computing the checksum of the downloaded file and comparing it with the published checksum for the original: Verifying Apache Software Foundation Releases. A checksum without a trusted reference is only a value to record. If the source of the expected checksum is not trustworthy, a match cannot establish that the file is authentic.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
When a signature or certification matters
When a document includes a digital signature or certification, inspect that evidence separately from the metadata and hash. For signed government PDFs, the U.S. Government Publishing Office describes using the visible seal and signature properties to assess whether certification is valid, whether the document changed after certification, and whether the signer identity was valid at signing. Its explanation of document integrity is at GPO Authentication. The available evidence depends on the document and signature; do not treat an unsigned file or a hash match as a substitute for signature validation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why context still matters
Document properties and other digital artifacts need interpretation in the context of the software and file. NIST’s Digital Investigation Techniques: A NIST Scientific Foundation Review, published November 21, 2022, notes that digital investigation methods draw on established computer science when used appropriately, and that artifact meaning can change as software is revised. That is a reason to treat metadata as evidence to assess, not as a complete account of a document’s history. See NIST’s review.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
