How to View a Photo's Hidden Metadata
Every photo a camera or phone takes stores a hidden record alongside the picture: when it was taken, on what device, with what settings, and — alarmingly often — exactly where you were standing. Most people never see this data, but anyone who receives the file can read it in seconds. This tool shows you precisely what your photos are carrying, so you know what you are sharing before you share it.
Upload a photo
The file is read locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded - which is the whole point of a privacy inspection tool.
See everything it holds
GPS coordinates, camera make and model, date taken, exposure settings and more, laid out clearly.
Act on what you find
Anything that could identify you is flagged in red. Export the report, or strip it all with our metadata remover.
What the Data Can Reveal About You
The most consequential field is GPS location. If location services were on when the photo was taken, the file contains latitude and longitude — often accurate to a few metres. A photo taken at home reveals your home address. A photo of your child in a park reveals which park, and when. This tool detects it and, if present, links straight to a map so you can see exactly what a stranger would.
Beyond location, EXIF records the date and time to the second, the device make and model, and sometimes the software used to edit the image. Individually these seem harmless. Together they build a surprisingly complete picture — a pattern of where you go, when, and with what equipment, which is exactly the kind of information used in stalking, doxxing and social engineering. The EXIF standard was designed for photographers, not for the sharing-everything internet it now lives in.
This tool only reads the data — it changes nothing. Once you have seen what a photo contains, if you want to remove it before sharing, our metadata remover strips every trace and gives you back a clean copy.
Common Reasons to Check Metadata
Before posting a photo publicly
Check whether a photo carries your location before it goes on social media, a forum or a marketplace listing. Many platforms strip EXIF, but not all - and you cannot rely on it.
Verifying when and where a photo was taken
The date-taken and GPS fields can confirm the origin of a photo - useful for journalism, insurance claims, or simply settling when a picture was actually shot.
Checking a photo someone sent you
Received an image and want to know what it reveals about the sender or the scene? The metadata often tells you the device, time and place.
Confirming your remover actually worked
After stripping metadata, run the cleaned file back through here. A clean result confirms nothing sensitive remains before you share it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view the EXIF data of a photo?
Upload it here. The metadata is read instantly and displayed - GPS location, camera model, date taken and settings - with anything sensitive flagged in red.
Can this show me where a photo was taken?
Yes, if the photo contains GPS data. The coordinates are displayed and linked to a map, so you can see the exact location the photo records.
Why does my photo have no metadata?
Either it never had any - screenshots and many downloaded or messaging-app images carry none - or it was already stripped. Social platforms often remove EXIF on upload.
Is my photo uploaded to read its metadata?
No. The file is read entirely inside your browser. It is never uploaded to any server, never stored, and never seen by anyone - essential for a privacy tool.
What is EXIF data?
EXIF is a standard for embedding information inside a photo - GPS coordinates, camera make and model, date and time, and exposure settings. It travels with the file wherever it goes.
Does viewing metadata change my photo?
No. This tool only reads the data and displays it. Your file is completely untouched. To remove metadata, use our separate metadata remover.
Which photos contain the most metadata?
JPEGs straight from a camera or phone carry the most - full GPS, camera and timestamp data. PNGs and screenshots usually carry little or none.
Can I see the camera settings used?
Yes, when present - aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focal length are all shown. These are useful for photographers learning what produced a particular result.
How do I remove the metadata after seeing it?
Use our Remove Metadata tool. It re-encodes the image to strip every hidden tag while preserving the picture exactly, giving you a clean copy to share.
Does it read metadata from PNG and HEIC?
This viewer focuses on EXIF, which is most complete in JPEG files. PNGs carry limited metadata, and HEIC support depends on your browser being able to decode the format.
Can I export the metadata report?
Yes. The Export button saves everything found as a plain text file, useful for records, verification or evidence.
Is this EXIF viewer really free?
Completely free, with no limits, no signup and no premium wall. Everything runs in your browser, so there are no server costs to pass on.
Last updated: July 11, 2026 · FlipMyFormat EXIF Metadata Viewer
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team