What is EXIF?
A plain-language guide to camera metadata—and why it matters for privacy.
Key takeaway
In short: A plain-language guide to camera metadata—and why it matters for privacy.
What EXIF is
EXIF is a common metadata package cameras and phones attach to photos: capture time, exposure, device model, and sometimes GPS. Not every image has it—screenshots and messaging rescaves often strip tags.
EXIF is a record, not automatically malware. Risk depends on context: helpful in a private library, sensitive in a public post.
ImgToJPG privacy tools never upload your photos. Files stay in the browser via the File API. Filenames, EXIF payloads, GPS coordinates, and camera models are not sent to analytics.
In DevTools Network you should not see image bodies or metadata POSTed for analysis. Ads/GTM may load as normal page scripts; they are not wired to read your photo contents.
Format support (as implemented)
| Format | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JPG/JPEG | Full metadata support possible | Best chance of reading EXIF and GPS. |
| HEIC/HEIF, AVIF | Partial | Some files expose EXIF/GPS; containers vary. |
| PNG | Partial | Often little classic camera EXIF; basic file info still shown. |
| WEBP, GIF, BMP | Basic image information | Focus on type, size, dimensions. Missing tags are labeled as not present. |
Removal method and verification
Removers use canvas re-encoding, not a lossless tag editor. New JPG/PNG/WEBP files usually omit source EXIF in typical browser paths, but recompression can change size and fine detail. After processing we re-parse the result to report whether common EXIF/GPS still appear. We do not claim 100% of all metadata removed, and we do not guarantee wiping every ICC/custom chunk or steganography.
Faces, signs, and backgrounds in the pixels remain after tag cleanup. Treat metadata privacy and visual privacy as separate layers.
Related tools
FAQ
Are files uploaded?
No. Processing stays in your browser.
Do you invent missing EXIF?
No. Absent fields are labeled as not present.
Is every metadata byte removed?
We do not claim that. We re-encode and re-check common EXIF/GPS.
Do coordinates auto-send to maps?
Only if you click to open a map link.
Is the original overwritten?
No. You download a new file.