What is EXIF data in photos?

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is metadata embedded in photos by cameras and smartphones. It includes GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken, the camera or phone model used, date and time, lens settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), and sometimes even a thumbnail of the image. This data is invisible when viewing the photo but can be read by anyone with the right tools.

Why should I remove metadata before sharing photos online?

When you share photos on social media, forums, or via email, the EXIF metadata travels with the file. This means anyone who downloads your photo can potentially see your exact location (GPS coordinates), what device you use, and when the photo was taken. Stripping metadata protects your privacy and security, especially for photos taken at home or sensitive locations.

Does removing metadata change the image quality?

FileWash re-encodes the image at 95% quality when stripping metadata, which is visually indistinguishable from the original in virtually all cases. The pixel dimensions remain identical. You may notice a slight file size change (sometimes smaller, sometimes larger) due to the re-encoding, but the visual quality is preserved.

What types of metadata does FileWash remove?

FileWash removes all embedded metadata by re-rendering the image through an HTML Canvas element. This strips: GPS/location data, camera make and model, date and time taken, lens and exposure settings, software used, copyright information, IPTC data, XMP data, and any embedded thumbnails.

Do social media platforms strip metadata automatically?

Some platforms like Facebook and Twitter strip EXIF data when you upload photos, but many do not — including email, messaging apps, forums, and file sharing services. Even platforms that strip metadata may still read and store it internally. Stripping metadata before sharing gives you full control over your privacy regardless of the platform.

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Remove EXIF & Metadata from Photos — Free, Private

Strip GPS location, camera model, timestamps, and all hidden EXIF data from your photos before sharing them online. 100% private — files never leave your browser.

Why strip metadata?

Photos from smartphones contain hidden data: GPS coordinates where the photo was taken, your device model, date and time, and more. Stripping this data protects your privacy when sharing photos online.

Drop photos to clean

JPEG, PNG, WebP — all metadata will be removed