Image Metadata Viewer

What this tool does

Image Metadata Viewer extracts and displays hidden technical data embedded in your photos. Every digital image can contain EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data recording camera settings, GPS coordinates, timestamps, software used, and device information. This metadata is invisible when viewing the image normally but provides valuable technical and contextual information.

Photographers use metadata to review camera settings for learning and consistency. Investigators verify image authenticity through timestamps and device signatures. Privacy-conscious users check what personal information their photos reveal before sharing online. The tool reads this data directly without modifying your original image.

How to use this tool

1. Upload a JPG, PNG, TIFF, or WebP image file from your device.

2. Alternatively, paste a URL to an image hosted online.

3. Click "View Metadata" to extract and display all embedded information.

4. Browse through categorized metadata sections including camera info, GPS, and timestamps.

5. Optionally download a clean version of the image with metadata stripped.

Common use cases

• Check camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) used for a particular shot
• Find GPS coordinates where a photo was taken
• Verify the date and time an image was captured
• Identify the camera model and lens used
• Check if an image has been edited and with what software
• Review color space and profile information for print preparation
• Audit what personal data photos contain before posting online
• Investigate image authenticity for fact-checking

Key features and behavior

EXIF data categories

The viewer organizes metadata into logical sections: camera information (make, model, lens), exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length), GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude), timestamps (capture date, modification date), and software information. Not all images contain all categories—metadata presence depends on the camera and how the image was processed.

GPS location display

When GPS data is present, the tool displays coordinates in standard latitude/longitude format. Many smartphones embed location data by default, which can reveal exactly where a photo was taken. This is useful for geotagging but raises privacy concerns when sharing images publicly.

Format support and limitations

JPEG files typically contain the most metadata since the EXIF standard was designed for this format. TIFF also supports full EXIF data. PNG files may contain limited metadata in text chunks. WebP support varies. Heavily compressed or screenshot images often have metadata stripped during processing.

Metadata removal option

After viewing metadata, you can download a clean copy of the image with all EXIF data removed. This creates a new file that retains the visual content but strips location, camera, and other embedded information—useful for privacy when sharing photos online.

Tips and limitations

• Screenshots and social media downloads typically have metadata stripped already
• Some cameras and phones allow disabling GPS tagging in settings
• Editing software may preserve, modify, or remove metadata depending on export settings
• RAW files contain the most metadata but must be converted before web viewing
• Metadata can be manually edited, so it shouldn't be considered tamper-proof
• Very old digital photos or scanned images may have minimal or no metadata

FAQ

What is EXIF data?

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is a standard for storing technical metadata in image files. It was developed for digital cameras and includes information like camera settings, date/time, and optionally GPS coordinates. Most smartphones and digital cameras embed EXIF data automatically.

Do all images have metadata?

No. Screenshots, images downloaded from social media (which strip metadata for privacy), heavily compressed images, and older digital photos may have little or no embedded metadata. The presence and completeness depends on the source device and processing history.

Can I see where a photo was taken?

Only if the camera or phone had GPS enabled when the photo was taken. Many modern smartphones embed location by default, but this can be disabled in device settings. Professional cameras rarely have built-in GPS unless using an external module.

Is viewing metadata safe?

Yes. Reading metadata only extracts information already in the file—it doesn't modify the image or send data anywhere. The tool processes files locally on our server during analysis only.

Why is my metadata empty?

The image may have been processed by software that strips metadata, downloaded from a platform that removes it, or captured by a device that doesn't embed EXIF data. Screenshots typically contain minimal metadata.

Can metadata prove when a photo was taken?

Metadata provides the timestamp recorded by the camera, but this can be edited. It serves as evidence but shouldn't be considered definitive proof since camera clocks can be wrong and metadata can be modified after capture.

What happens when I remove metadata?

A new image file is created that looks identical but contains no embedded EXIF data. GPS coordinates, camera info, and timestamps are all stripped. The original file remains unchanged; you download a separate clean copy.

Does this work on iPhone and Android photos?

Yes. Photos from both platforms typically contain rich EXIF data including camera settings and GPS (if location services were enabled). This tool reads metadata from any standard image format regardless of source device.