Applies to: All editions
Output location
PDFSanitize writes the sanitized PDF into the same directory as the source PDF. The source file is not overwritten.
For a source named:
Proposal.pdf
The first sanitized output is:
Proposal.sanitized.pdf
Existing output names
If that filename already exists, PDFSanitize chooses the next available numbered name rather than replacing the existing file:
Proposal.sanitized_2.pdfProposal.sanitized_3.pdf- and so on.
This protects an earlier output from silent replacement but can also leave several similarly named files in the same folder. Use hashes and timestamps to identify the intended result.
Required permissions
The signed-in Windows user must be able to create files in the source directory. If the source is on read-only media, a restricted network share, or a folder where the user lacks write permission, output creation can fail.
Move the authorized working copy to a location that permits output creation or adjust the approved permissions before retrying.
Source and output identity
PDFSanitize records the full source and output paths in the session and can include them in reports and certificates. SHA-256 fingerprints provide a stronger way to distinguish the exact bytes of the original and sanitized files.
After sanitization
Use Open Original PDF and Open Sanitized PDF on the Verification tab to review the two files separately. For sensitive disclosures, verify visually that the recipient file is the sanitized output and retain the associated report or hash under the organization’s evidence policy.