Author and Last Modified By are not the same field
Clearing one identity property does not imply the other is empty.
WORD · LAST MODIFIED BY
Remove Last Modified By metadata from Word
The Last Modified By property can expose the editor or account name associated with a DOCX even when that identity is not visible on the page.
Quick answer
In a Word DOCX, Last Modified By is commonly stored in core package properties. MetWipe can inspect supported DOCX properties, create a cleaned copy and verify the rebuilt output before distribution.
Last Modified By: what else should you review?
| Field / area | What it contains | Why review it |
|---|---|---|
| Last Modified By | Recent editor or account name | Can expose who last touched the document. |
| Author / Creator | Original creator property | May identify a different person from the last editor. |
| Created / Modified | Document timestamps | Can reveal timing and workflow context. |
| Revision | Revision-related core property | May reveal document history clues even after names are cleared. |
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Why this specific task matters
A clean property panel is not complete redaction
Comments, tracked revisions and names typed into the document are separate from the basic metadata properties.
Verify the distribution copy
The file you send should be the file you inspect after cleaning, not the original source.
Safe workflow
- Select the DOCX you intend to share.
- Inspect Last Modified By together with Author and date-related fields.
- Create a cleaned distribution copy when those properties are unnecessary.
- Verify the rebuilt file, then review comments, revisions and visible content separately.
Limits to understand
This task targets supported document properties only. It does not erase visible editor names, tracked changes, comments, document text, macros or every possible embedded object.
Need a broader Word metadata cleanup?
Last Modified By is only one DOCX property. For a distribution copy that also addresses supported Author, Company and other document properties, use the Word metadata remover and verify the rebuilt output.
Related metadata tasks
Explore the Word metadata center
Compare the DOCX checker, broad remover and focused Author, Last Modified By and Company workflows from one place. Open Word Metadata Tools →