Image EXIF Data Viewer

Unlock the Hidden Data in Your Photos

Every time you click the shutter on your camera or smartphone, you are capturing more than just a visible image. You are creating a rich digital footprint called metadata. This data, known as EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format), acts as a digital fingerprint. It records the exact conditions of the moment, from the camera model used to the precise time of day. The Image EXIF Viewer allows you to peek behind the pixels and read this hidden story.

For photographers, this data is a learning tool. You can see the exact settings—shutter speed, ISO, aperture—used to capture a stunning shot. for privacy advocates, it is a safety check. It reveals whether your photo contains sensitive GPS coordinates that pinpoint your home or workplace. Whether you are debugging a technical issue or verifying the authenticity of an image, this tool provides a clear, organized window into the file's header.

How to Read Image Metadata

The tool is designed for instant analysis. You do not need to install complex software or use command-line tools. The interface centers on a large "dropzone" where you can drag and drop your image file.

Once you upload a photo, the tool instantly extracts the header information. The results are organized into logical tabs to help you navigate the hundreds of potential data points.

• Basic Info: Displays the core details like file size, resolution, and format.

• Camera: This section is for the gear heads. It lists the Camera Make (e.g., Canon, Sony), Model, and the specific Lens used.

• Image: Here you find the exposure triangle details: F-Stop, Exposure Time, ISO Speed, and Focal Length. This is the technical recipe of the photograph.

• GPS: If the image was taken with a smartphone or a GPS-enabled camera, this tab will show the Latitude, Longitude, and Altitude.

• All Data: A raw list of every tag found in the file, including obscure manufacturer notes and software version strings.

Privacy and Location Safety

One of the most critical uses of an EXIF reader is checking for location data. Modern smartphones automatically tag photos with GPS coordinates. If you upload a photo of your new backyard to social media, you might inadvertently be broadcasting your exact address to the world.

Use the "GPS" tab to verify what is stored in your file. If you see coordinates, or a map pin appearing in the viewer, that data is embedded in the image. Knowing this allows you to make informed decisions before sharing. You might decide to scrub the metadata using a separate tool before posting the file publicly.

Understanding the "MakerNotes"

Standard EXIF data is universal, but camera manufacturers also include proprietary data called "MakerNotes." This is where brands like Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm hide specific details.

This data can include the "Shutter Count" (how many photos the camera has taken in its life), which is vital when buying a used camera. It can also include the serial number of the body and lens. While standard viewers often ignore this messy data, this tool attempts to parse and display as much of it as possible in the "All Data" tab, giving forensic analysts and researchers a deeper look into the hardware used.

Limitations of Metadata

Not all images have EXIF data. If you download a photo from Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp, you will likely find the results are empty. This is because most social media platforms automatically strip metadata during the upload process to protect user privacy and reduce file size.

Additionally, screenshots typically do not contain camera data. A screenshot creates a new image file that represents the screen's display, not the original capture event. If you see "No EXIF data found," it usually means the file has been processed, edited, or "saved for web" by a previous program.

Client-Side Security

Your photos are personal. You should not have to upload them to a stranger's server just to read the settings.

This photo metadata viewer runs entirely in your browser. The file parsing happens on your device using JavaScript. The image file is never transmitted to our cloud, ensuring that your privacy—and the privacy of the data inside the image—remains intact. You can safely check sensitive personal photos without them ever leaving your computer.

Tips for Photographers

Use this tool to audit your portfolio. If you are a professional photographer, you might want to ensure your copyright information is correctly embedded in the "Artist" or "Copyright" tags. This helps prove ownership if your image is used without permission.

Analyze your "keepers." When you take a great shot, upload it here to study the settings. Did you use 1/250s or 1/1000s? Was the ISO 400 or 800? Learning which settings produced your best work helps you replicate that success in future shoots.