EXIF Viewer: How to Read and Remove Photo Metadata Online

What Is EXIF Data?

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is metadata automatically embedded in photo files by cameras and smartphones at the moment of capture. A typical phone photo may contain:

• Exact date and time of capture
• GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude — pinpointable to a specific address)
• Camera or phone make and model
• Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Image resolution and dimensions
• Focal length and lens information
• Whether flash was used

How to View EXIF Data Online

Use the tool.tl EXIF Viewer:

1. Go to tool.tl/exif-viewer
2. Upload a photo (JPG, PNG, HEIC, etc.)
3. See all metadata fields — including a map preview if GPS data is present

Common EXIF Fields Explained

Why Social Media Strips EXIF Data

Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, and most major platforms automatically remove EXIF data (including GPS) when you upload photos. This is a standard privacy protection. However, sharing the original file directly — via email, messaging apps in file mode, or cloud storage links — preserves the full EXIF data.

How to Remove EXIF Data (Privacy Protection)

• Online tool — Upload, strip metadata, re-download the clean file
• iOS — When sharing from Photos, tap Options → turn off Location
• Android — Some camera apps let you disable GPS tagging in settings
• Windows — Right-click the image → Properties → Details → Remove Properties and Personal Information
• macOS — Export from Preview and uncheck EXIF options (version-dependent)

Why Photographers Keep EXIF Data

Unlike privacy-conscious users, photographers often want to preserve EXIF because it:

• Records the exact settings used — valuable for learning and improving technique
• Serves as copyright evidence (timestamp and device prove original capture)
• Provides reference data for post-processing decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do screenshots contain EXIF data?

Usually very little. Screenshots are generated by the operating system, not a camera, so they don't contain shooting parameters like GPS, aperture, or ISO. They may include creation timestamp and screen resolution, but no location data.

Do PNG files have EXIF?

PNG uses its own metadata format (PNG chunks) rather than EXIF. Some tools embed EXIF-like data in PNG files, but it's not standard. Most PNG files you encounter won't have EXIF GPS data.

Can I view EXIF data on HEIC files (iPhone photos)?

Yes — HEIC embeds full EXIF metadata including GPS coordinates. Upload the file to the viewer and all fields will be readable.