How To View Metadata Of An Image

When you look at an image, you probably only notice the visual content. However, there’s more hidden beneath the surface. Images, whether digital photos or scanned documents, hold metadata that reveals information about how and when the image was created, modified, and more. Understanding how to view the metadata of an image can unlock hidden details that are often overlooked.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to access the metadata of an image, how it can be useful, and some tips for making the most of this often forgotten aspect of image files. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to view image metadata easily, whether on your computer or using online tools.

Why Is Metadata Important?

Metadata is the hidden set of details that provides valuable information about an image. While it may not be visible at first glance, it can tell you a lot about the file, such as:

  • The camera or device used to take the photo.
  • Date and time the image was taken.
  • Location data (GPS coordinates) for photos taken with location-enabled devices.
  • File format and size, which can be helpful when deciding how to use the image.

Knowing how to access and interpret image metadata can be especially useful for photographers, journalists, or anyone working with digital images in professional contexts. But the real question is: how can you actually view this hidden data?

Viewing Metadata on Different Platforms

The process of viewing metadata can vary slightly depending on the platform or device you’re using. Below, we’ll cover how to view image metadata on popular operating systems and software.

Viewing Metadata on Windows

If you’re using a Windows computer, it’s quite easy to access image metadata. Here’s a quick way to do it:

  1. Right-click on the image file.
  2. Choose Properties from the context menu.
  3. In the Properties window, click on the Details tab.

Here, you’ll see a variety of metadata including the image’s dimensions, camera model, and the date it was created. It’s a handy tool for quickly reviewing basic image details.

What You Can Find in Windows Metadata

  • File Type: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.
  • Dimensions: The image’s resolution (width and height).
  • Camera Model: The specific model of the camera that took the image.
  • Exposure Information: Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings used during capture.
  • GPS Coordinates: If the image has location data, you’ll see latitude and longitude coordinates.

Viewing Metadata on macOS

macOS provides a similar feature to Windows for viewing metadata, although it’s integrated into the Finder app. Here’s how to check metadata on a Mac:

  1. Right-click on the image file and select Get Info.
  2. In the info window, you’ll see some basic metadata like the file size, image dimensions, and more.

For a more detailed look at the metadata, you’ll need to use the Preview app or a third-party tool.

Using Preview on macOS

  1. Open the image in Preview.
  2. Go to the Tools menu and select Show Inspector.
  3. In the Inspector window, click the i tab (Info).
  4. Here, you’ll find detailed metadata, including EXIF data (Exchangeable Image File Format).

Using Online Tools to View Metadata

If you’re not using a desktop system or prefer an online solution, there are several websites that allow you to check the metadata of an image. One of the most popular tools is Get-Metadata.com. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Go to the website.
  2. Upload the image you want to check.
  3. The website will display all the metadata embedded in the file.

These online tools are useful because they work on any device and often provide more detailed metadata than the built-in tools on your computer.

Using Photoshop to View Image Metadata

If you have access to Adobe Photoshop, this program offers a deep dive into the metadata of an image. To check the metadata:

  1. Open the image in Photoshop.
  2. Click on File and then select File Info.
  3. In the window that appears, you’ll see several tabs that display different types of metadata, such as EXIF, IPTC, and XMP.

Photoshop even allows you to add or edit metadata within the program. This can be especially useful for photographers or digital artists who want to tag images with copyright details or keywords for easier organization.

Types of Metadata You Can View

When you access image metadata, there are different types you can explore. Understanding these can help you make the most of the data available in the image file.

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format)

EXIF is perhaps the most common type of metadata associated with photos. It includes technical details about the image, such as:

  • Camera Model and Make: The specific camera or smartphone used to take the photo.
  • Date and Time: The exact time the image was taken.
  • Exposure Settings: Information on shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
  • Geolocation Data: If GPS is enabled, EXIF data can include latitude, longitude, and altitude where the photo was taken.

IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council)

IPTC data typically relates to the content of the image and is commonly used by journalists, photographers, and news agencies. Some key details it might include are:

  • Title and Description: A title or caption for the image.
  • Copyright Information: Photographer’s name, organization, or copyright holder.
  • Keywords: Tags that describe the image content (e.g., nature, portrait, city).

XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform)

XMP metadata is used to store information about digital media, including images. It can include:

  • Author Information: Who created the image.
  • Copyright Notices: Details about ownership.
  • Editing History: A record of changes made to the image, such as cropping or color adjustments.

These three types of metadata—EXIF, IPTC, and XMP—are the most common ones you’ll encounter when working with digital photos.

How Metadata Can Be Useful

While metadata might seem like a small, technical detail, it can serve a number of important functions in various fields. Here are some ways metadata is commonly used:

For Photographers

Photographers rely heavily on metadata to track the technical details of their photos. The EXIF data allows them to see how different settings, like ISO or shutter speed, affect the final image. Additionally, it can serve as a way to organize their photo library.

For Legal and Copyright Purposes

Metadata can also be used for legal purposes. If you’re a photographer, your copyright information in the metadata can help prove ownership of an image. Some services even allow you to embed licenses into the metadata to ensure your work is properly credited.

For Organizations

For businesses that use large image libraries, metadata is essential for organizing and managing files. Tagging images with keywords in IPTC or XMP metadata makes it easier to search and retrieve them later.

For Geolocation and Travel

Images that include geolocation data allow people to track where a photo was taken. For travel bloggers, for instance, this is a great way to show off the locations they’ve visited.

Editing and Removing Metadata

While metadata can be helpful, there are times when you might want to remove it, especially if it contains sensitive information like location data. Here’s how you can do that:

How to Remove Metadata on Windows

  1. Right-click the image file and choose Properties.
  2. Go to the Details tab.
  3. At the bottom, click on Remove Properties and Personal Information.
  4. Select Remove the following properties from this file and choose which metadata to delete.

How to Remove Metadata on macOS

Removing metadata on a Mac is a bit more complex. You’ll need third-party apps such as ImageOptim or Photoshop to strip metadata from images.

Why Remove Metadata?

Removing metadata can be important for privacy reasons. For example, if you’re sharing photos online, you may not want to reveal your exact location or the camera you used. Stripping metadata can help protect your privacy.

Final Thoughts

Viewing and understanding the metadata of an image isn’t just a technical skill for photographers; it’s something anyone can do to learn more about the images they work with. Whether you’re a casual user who wants to see when and where a photo was taken or a professional who needs to organize and protect your images, knowing how to view and edit metadata is incredibly valuable.

Remember, metadata can give you more than just basic information—it can help you track your work, ensure your intellectual property is protected, and even enrich your photos with geolocation tags. Take the time to explore the hidden details in your images, and you might find new ways to appreciate or use them in your projects.