How to remove all cell comments from excel before publishing as open data
- Step 1Complete data processing and QA on the Excel file — Finish all analysis and quality checks. Any comments added during this phase will be purged.
- Step 2Run the Comment Purger — Upload the .xlsx. All cell notes and threaded comments are removed across every sheet.
- Step 3Publish the comment-free file — Upload to your open data portal. No internal annotations are visible to the public.
Frequently asked questions
Are Excel comments included in open data metadata standards?+
No. Cell comments are not part of standard dataset metadata. They are internal annotations that should always be removed before publication.
Does this also remove any embedded Word documents or PDF attachments?+
No. Embedded OLE objects are separate from cell comments. Use Excel's Inspect Document to remove embedded objects.
Should I run the Metadata Wiper at the same time?+
Yes. For a complete open data release preparation, run both the Comment Purger and the Core Metadata Wiper before publication.
Privacy first
Every JAD Excel tool runs entirely in your browser using SheetJS and ExcelJS. Your spreadsheets, formulas, and data never leave your device — verified by zero outbound network requests during processing.