How to Read EXIF Metadata — Complete Guide

Quick Answer: To read EXIF metadata, right-click any image on your computer and open its Properties. For deeper data — GPS, IPTC, XMP — use a dedicated online EXIF viewer like Exif Injector.

Every photo you take stores hidden data. This data is called EXIF metadata. It records your camera settings, location, and more. Knowing how to read EXIF metadata helps photographers, marketers, and e-commerce sellers make smarter decisions with their images.

This guide shows you the fastest and easiest ways to read EXIF data — on any device, in 2026.

What Is EXIF Metadata?

In brief: EXIF metadata is hidden data embedded inside image files that records technical and contextual details about each photo.

EXIF stands for Exchangeable Image File Format. It was defined in 1995 by the Japan Electronic Industries Development Association (JEIDA). Today, nearly every digital camera and smartphone writes EXIF data to every photo automatically.

Think of EXIF metadata as the "label" on your image. It tells you who took it, when, where, and how. You cannot see it by looking at the photo. But it is always there — unless someone removes it.

According to the IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council), over 95% of professional digital images contain embedded metadata of some kind.

Good to know: EXIF data is embedded in the file itself. It travels with the image when you share or upload it. This makes it useful — and sometimes a privacy concern.

What Data Can You Read in EXIF?

In brief: EXIF metadata contains dozens of technical and contextual fields — from camera model to GPS coordinates.

Here are the most common fields you will find when you read EXIF metadata:

This data is invaluable. Photographers use it to analyze shots. E-commerce sellers use it to track image origins. SEO professionals use it to verify image optimization.

(Source: Adobe, Understanding Image Metadata, 2025)

How to Read EXIF Metadata on Windows

In brief: Windows shows basic EXIF data natively — no extra software needed.

Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the image file in File Explorer.
2. Select Properties from the context menu.
3. Click the Details tab.
4. Scroll down to see camera settings, GPS data, date, and more.

This works for JPG, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG files. Windows shows around 30 common EXIF fields.

What Windows Does Not Show

Windows hides some advanced fields. You will not see:

1. Full GPS coordinates in decimal format
2. IPTC keywords and copyright tags
3. XMP metadata blocks
4. Lens-specific data like distortion correction

For full data, use a dedicated EXIF data viewer. It reads all fields — EXIF, IPTC, and XMP — in one click.

Good to know: Windows sometimes strips EXIF data when you copy images using certain methods. Always verify metadata after transferring files between folders or devices.

How to Read EXIF Metadata on Mac

In brief: Mac's Preview app reads EXIF data natively through its Inspector panel.

Here is how to do it:

1. Open the image in Preview (double-click the file).
2. Go to Tools in the menu bar.
3. Select Show Inspector (or press ⌘ + I).
4. Click the EXIF tab.

You will see camera settings, date, GPS, and software fields. Preview displays more data than Windows — but still not everything.

Using Photos App on Mac

If your image is in your Photos library:

1. Open Photos.
2. Select the image.
3. Press ⌘ + I (Get Info).
4. Click Show More Info to expand all available fields.

For complete metadata — including IPTC and XMP — use an online EXIF extractor that handles all three metadata standards.

(Source: Apple Support, View and edit photo info in Photos on Mac, 2025)

How to Read EXIF Metadata Online

In brief: Online EXIF viewers let you read full metadata from any image — without installing software.

Reading EXIF metadata online is the fastest option. It works on any device. And it shows data that native tools miss.

Using Exif Injector's EXIF Extractor

At Exif Injector, we process over 200,000 images per month. Our EXIF extractor reads all three metadata standards: EXIF, IPTC, and XMP.

Here is how to use it:

1. Go to exifinjector.com/en/exif-extractor.
2. Upload your image (drag and drop or click to browse).
3. View the full metadata report in seconds.
4. Download the data as a CSV or JSON file if needed.

No account required for basic use. No image stored on our servers longer than needed.

What You Can Read Online

1. Full EXIF fields (100+ tags)
2. IPTC keywords, title, caption, copyright
3. XMP creator, rights, and descriptive fields
4. GPS coordinates with map preview (via our EXIF map viewer)
5. Embedded thumbnail data

Good to know: Online tools are especially useful for bulk checks. If you need to verify metadata across hundreds of images, use our bulk EXIF editor to read and edit at scale.

How to Read EXIF Metadata on iPhone and Android

In brief: Smartphones do not show full EXIF data natively — you need a third-party app or an online tool.

On iPhone

The native Photos app shows a limited summary: date, location, and camera model. To read full EXIF data on iPhone:

1. Use a browser and upload to exifinjector.com/en/exif-extractor.
2. Or use apps like Exif Metadata or Metapho from the App Store.

Note: iOS sometimes strips GPS data before sharing photos. Check your privacy settings under Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Camera.

On Android

Android shows basic EXIF data in the Gallery or Photos app. Tap the image, then the info icon (i). For full metadata, use:

1. A browser-based EXIF viewer (like Exif Injector)
2. Apps like Photo EXIF Editor from the Play Store

(Source: Google, Android Photo Management Documentation, 2025)

EXIF vs IPTC vs XMP: What's the Difference?

In brief: EXIF, IPTC, and XMP are three different metadata standards — each stores different types of data.

Many people confuse these three. Here is a clear comparison:

When you read EXIF metadata with a basic tool, you only see EXIF fields. To read all embedded metadata, you need a tool that supports all three standards — like the Exif Injector extractor.

IPTC keywords, for example, are critical for stock photo metadata and platform discoverability. XMP fields are used by Adobe Lightroom and Bridge for editing workflows.

Good to know: When you upload images to platforms like Shutterstock or Getty Images, they read your IPTC and XMP fields — not just EXIF. Missing data means missed discoverability.

(Source: IPTC, Photo Metadata Standards Overview, 2024)

Why Reading EXIF Metadata Matters for SEO

In brief: Reading EXIF metadata helps you identify missing or incorrect data that hurts your image SEO performance.

Images are indexed by search engines. Google reads metadata signals when ranking image results. According to a 2024 study by Backlinko, images with complete metadata rank 35% higher in Google Image Search than images without.

Reading your EXIF data lets you:

1. Spot missing copyright info — protect your work legally
2. Verify GPS coordinates — important for local SEO
3. Check keyword tags — ensure IPTC keywords are present
4. Detect software traces — some platforms penalize images processed by editing tools
5. Confirm alt text alignment — match metadata to on-page alt attributes

Our image SEO audit tool checks all these signals automatically. It reads your metadata and flags what is missing or wrong — in seconds.

For e-commerce sellers, reading metadata is essential. On platforms like Etsy or Shopify, image metadata directly affects product discoverability. Learn more in our guides for Etsy sellers and Shopify stores.

(Source: Backlinko, Image SEO Study, 2024)

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Reading EXIF Metadata

How do I read EXIF metadata on Windows?

Right-click the image file and select Properties. Open the Details tab. You will see camera settings, date, and GPS data. For complete metadata, use a dedicated EXIF viewer tool.

How do I read EXIF metadata on a Mac?

Open the image in Preview. Go to Tools > Show Inspector. Click the EXIF tab. For full IPTC and XMP data, use an online tool like Exif Injector's extractor.

Can I read EXIF metadata online for free?

Yes. Exif Injector lets you upload any image and read its full EXIF, IPTC, and XMP metadata for free — directly in your browser, with no installation required.

What information is stored in EXIF metadata?

EXIF metadata stores camera make and model, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, GPS coordinates, date and time, and software used. It may also include copyright and author details.

Does reading EXIF metadata modify the image?

No. Reading EXIF metadata is completely non-destructive. It does not alter the image file in any way. Only editing or removing metadata changes the file.

About Exif Injector Exif Injector is an AI-powered SaaS tool for injecting, viewing, and removing EXIF, IPTC, and XMP metadata from images — in bulk. Built by NOVA IMPACT LTD (London, UK), it helps photographers, e-commerce sellers, and marketers optimize image visibility across 140+ platforms. Try it free →