How-To 4 min read

How to view
metadata in photos

Every digital photo contains hidden metadata that reveals how, when, and where the image was taken. Learning to view this EXIF data helps you understand what information your photos contain before sharing them.

calendar_today June 2024

What is photo metadata (EXIF data)?

EXIF data is metadata embedded in digital photos that records technical information about the image. Your camera or smartphone writes it automatically every time you take a photo.

Common EXIF data includes

  • GPS coordinates — if location services were enabled
  • Date and time the photo was taken
  • Camera make and model
  • Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings
  • Focal length and lens information
  • Image resolution and dimensions
  • Orientation and flash settings

Method 1 — Online viewer (fastest)

  1. Go to RemoveMD Analyzer
  2. Upload your photo (supports JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, and more)
  3. Browse through all metadata categories — GPS, camera, dates, software
  4. Optionally download a clean version with metadata removed

Why use RemoveMD: Our viewer shows comprehensive EXIF data that built-in OS tools often miss, including maker notes from specific camera manufacturers and hidden metadata fields.

Method 2 — Built-in OS tools

desktop_windows

Windows file properties

  1. Right-click on the image file
  2. Select "Properties"
  3. Click the "Details" tab
  4. Browse metadata categories
desktop_mac

macOS Preview app

  1. Open the image in Preview
  2. Click Tools → Show Inspector
  3. Navigate to the "Exif" tab
  4. Check "GPS" tab for location data

Method 3 — Mobile apps

android

Android

  • Google Photos: open image → tap "i" icon
  • Photo EXIF Editor app
  • Metapho app
phone_iphone

iOS

  • Photos app: swipe up on image
  • Exif Viewer by Fluntro
  • Metapho app

Method 4 — ExifTool (command line)

# View all metadata in a photo
exiftool image.jpg

# View specific fields (camera + GPS)
exiftool -Make -Model -GPSLatitude -GPSLongitude image.jpg

# Export metadata to a text file
exiftool image.jpg > metadata.txt

Key metadata fields explained

Make / Model Camera manufacturer and specific model — identifies your device
DateTimeOriginal When the photo was taken — often stored in UTC
GPS Latitude / Longitude Precise location coordinates — reveals exactly where you were
FNumber Aperture setting — lower numbers = wider aperture
ExposureTime Shutter speed, e.g. 1/250 = 1/250th of a second
ISOSpeedRatings ISO sensitivity — higher = more sensitive to light

Analyze & clean your photos

Free online analyzer — no account required.

Open metadata analyzer arrow_forward

Related articles

Guide

Remove metadata from photos (Windows, Mac, mobile)

Strip EXIF and GPS data across all platforms.

Guide

Different types of metadata explained simply

EXIF, XMP, IPTC — what each type contains.