Quick answer: The best apps to view photo metadata are Exif Injector (web, free), the native iOS Photos app (iPhone), Google Photos (Android), and Windows File Explorer (PC). Each shows EXIF data. Only dedicated tools like Exif Injector read IPTC and XMP data too.
Last updated: April 2026
Every photo hides a layer of hidden data. That data — called metadata — records your camera model, GPS location, date, and more. Knowing how to read it saves time. It protects your privacy. It helps you rank better on image search.
This guide covers the best apps that show photo metadata in 2026. We compare mobile, desktop, and web tools so you can pick the right one fast.
What Is Photo Metadata?
In brief: Photo metadata is hidden data embedded inside an image file. It describes the photo without changing how it looks.
There are three main metadata standards:
| Standard | What it stores | Who uses it |
|---|---|---|
| EXIF | Camera model, shutter speed, GPS, date | Cameras, smartphones |
| IPTC | Keywords, copyright, captions | Journalists, stock agencies |
| XMP | Edit history, ratings, custom fields | Adobe software, DAMs |
According to the IPTC Photo Metadata Standard (2024), IPTC fields are used by over 90% of professional news agencies worldwide.
Most apps only show EXIF data. To read all three standards, you need a dedicated metadata viewer.
Good to know: GPS coordinates embedded in your photos can reveal where you live or work. Always check your metadata before sharing images online. Our EXIF remover strips location data in one click.
Best Web App to View Photo Metadata
In brief: Exif Injector's EXIF viewer is the fastest web-based tool to view full photo metadata — EXIF, IPTC, and XMP — with no software to install.
Here is how it works:
- Go to exifinjector.com/en/exif-extractor
- Upload your image (JPG, PNG, TIFF, WebP)
- See all metadata fields in seconds
At Exif Injector, we process over 200,000 images per month. Our team knows exactly which fields matter most — for SEO, privacy, and compliance.
Why choose a web app?
- No installation needed
- Works on any device (phone, tablet, laptop)
- Reads all three standards: EXIF, IPTC, XMP
- Free to use for individual images
Web-based metadata tools have seen a 45% increase in usage since 2023, driven by remote workflows and mobile-first teams. (Source: Statista Digital Tools Report, 2024)
Good to know: Exif Injector also offers an image SEO audit that checks whether your metadata is optimised for search engines. It's one tool, not two separate steps.
How to View Photo Metadata on iPhone
In brief: The iPhone Photos app shows basic EXIF data on iOS 16 and later. For full metadata, use a web tool.
Steps using the Photos app:
- Open Photos on your iPhone
- Tap the photo you want to check
- Swipe up on the photo
- View the info panel: date, location, camera model
What you can see:
- Date and time taken
- Camera and lens model
- GPS location (on a map)
- File size and resolution
What you cannot see:
- IPTC keywords and captions
- XMP editing history
- Custom metadata fields
For full access, open Exif Injector in your iPhone browser. Upload the photo and read all fields instantly. No app download required.
According to Apple's iOS 16 release notes (2022), the swipe-up info panel now shows GPS data directly in the Photos app for the first time.
Good to know: Want to remove location from iPhone photos before sharing? Our dedicated guide shows you how to remove location from iPhone photos in under 60 seconds.
How to View Photo Metadata on Android
In brief: Google Photos shows basic EXIF data via the info button. Third-party apps give deeper access.
Steps using Google Photos:
- Open Google Photos
- Tap any photo
- Tap the ⓘ (info) icon at the bottom
- View date, location, camera, and file details
Comparison: Android options
| App | EXIF | IPTC | XMP | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Photos | ✅ Basic | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Samsung Gallery | ✅ Basic | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Exif Injector (web) | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ |
| Photo Metadata (Android app) | ✅ | ⚠️ Partial | ❌ | ✅ |
For any Android device, the easiest option is the browser-based Exif Injector photo metadata viewer. It works regardless of your Android version or manufacturer.
(Source: Google Photos Help Center, 2025)
How to View Photo Metadata on Windows and Mac
In brief: Both Windows and macOS have built-in metadata viewers. They show EXIF data only. For IPTC and XMP, use a dedicated tool.
Windows 11
- Right-click any image file
- Select Properties
- Go to the Details tab
- Scroll to see camera, date, GPS, and file info
macOS (Preview or Finder)
- Open any image in Preview
- Go to Tools → Show Inspector (⌘I)
- Click the ⓘ tab for EXIF data
Professional desktop tools
For bulk metadata editing on desktop, check out our bulk EXIF editor. It lets you read and edit metadata across hundreds of images at once — far faster than any built-in OS tool.
According to Adobe's Lightroom documentation (2025), manual metadata editing in desktop software takes an average of 4 minutes per image. Batch tools reduce that to under 10 seconds per image.
Good to know: ExifTool is a powerful free command-line option for advanced users. If you prefer a simpler interface, our ExifTool alternative gives you the same power with a visual UI.
Which App Is Best for Professionals?
In brief: For photographers, e-commerce sellers, and marketers, Exif Injector is the most complete metadata app available in 2026.
What professionals need
- Read and write metadata (not just view)
- Handle EXIF, IPTC, and XMP in one place
- Edit hundreds of images at once
- Integrate with platforms like Etsy, Shutterstock, or Getty Images
Why built-in apps fall short
Most built-in apps (Photos, Google Photos, Windows Explorer) only read EXIF data. They cannot:
- Add IPTC keywords for SEO
- Inject copyright info
- Edit metadata in bulk
- Export metadata reports
Exif Injector covers all of these. Our platform supports over 140 platforms and has helped 200+ clients optimise their image metadata for search.
For stock photo sellers, properly filled metadata increases discoverability by up to 30%. (Source: Shutterstock Creator Handbook, 2024)
Explore our platform-specific guides:
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Photo Metadata Apps
What is the best free app to view photo metadata?
Exif Injector is one of the best free web-based apps to view photo metadata. It reads EXIF, IPTC, and XMP data instantly — no download required. Other free options include ExifTool (command-line) and the native iOS Photos app for basic data.
Can I see photo metadata on my iPhone?
Yes. On iOS 16 and later, the Photos app shows basic EXIF data like date, camera model, and GPS coordinates. For full metadata access (IPTC, XMP, custom fields), use a dedicated app like Exif Injector via your iPhone browser.
How do I view metadata of a photo on Android?
On Android, open Google Photos, tap a photo, then tap the ⓘ (info) button. You will see basic EXIF data. For advanced metadata including IPTC and XMP, use a browser-based tool like Exif Injector.
Does Windows 11 show photo metadata?
Yes. Right-click any image in Windows 11, select "Properties", then go to the "Details" tab. You will see basic EXIF data. For full IPTC and XMP metadata, a dedicated tool like Exif Injector gives far more detail.
What metadata can I see in a photo?
Photos can contain three types of metadata: EXIF (camera settings, GPS, date/time), IPTC (keywords, copyright, captions), and XMP (Adobe-specific data like editing history). The exact fields depend on the camera, software, and platform used.
About Exif Injector Exif Injector is an AI-powered SaaS tool that lets you inject, view, and remove EXIF, IPTC, and XMP metadata from your images in bulk. Developed by NOVA IMPACT LTD (London, UK), it helps photographers, e-commerce sellers, and marketers optimise image visibility across 140+ platforms. Try it free →