IMAGE TOOLS
File Metadata Inspector
Inspect useful image, EXIF, GPS or PDF document metadata and create a cleaner copy when supported.
Quick answer: Choose an image or PDF, review the locally detected properties, then optionally download a copy with removable metadata cleared.
Use File Metadata Inspector ↓Loading the tool…
How to use File Metadata Inspector
- Choose a fileSelect an image or PDF to inspect.
- Review what is storedThe file is inspected as soon as you choose it. You will see camera, date, software, GPS and document properties, with a clear warning if the photo contains a location.
- Download a cleaned copyFor JPG photos you can remove everything, or only the location, without re-compressing the picture. Check the new copy before sharing.
About this tool
Photos taken with a phone can quietly record where and when they were taken. Check what a file reveals, then save a clean copy that has the location, or everything, removed.
Common uses: Review EXIF, GPS, camera and file properties before publishing photos, or create a cleaner copy for sharing.
Practical example: Inspect location and timestamp fields first, then use the cleaning option when you want to reduce removable metadata in the exported copy.
Important limitation: Metadata cleaning cannot remove identifying information visibly embedded in the image, such as a sign, face or watermark.
The file is read and cleaned in your browser; it is not uploaded. Read the privacy information.
How it works
Photo metadata such as EXIF is read from the file bytes. The cleaned copy is re-encoded so removable fields, including GPS location, are not carried into the new file.
Real-world uses
- Removing location before posting a photo of your home
- Checking when and with what device a photo was taken
- Cleaning author fields from a PDF before sending it
What photo metadata reveals
EXIF data can include the GPS position, date and time, camera or phone model, lens, software and sometimes the owner’s name. Posting a photo of your home with its location intact is how many people give away where they live. Social networks often strip metadata, but email, messaging file attachments and your own website usually do not.
For JPG photos the tool can remove only the location, or all metadata, without re-compressing the picture, so the image quality is unchanged. Check the new copy and compare file sizes. For PDFs it shows the document properties you can then edit with Edit PDF Metadata.
Metadata removal cannot hide what is visible in the picture itself, such as a street sign, a house number or a face. Look at the image before you share it.
Tips for better results
- Strip location data before posting photos taken at home or work.
- Messaging apps and social networks often remove metadata themselves, but email and file sharing usually do not.
- Cleaning does not hide what is visible in the picture, such as street signs or reflections.
Frequently asked questions
Can metadata reveal a photo location?
Some camera and phone files may contain GPS coordinates. Review the detected fields before sharing sensitive images.
Does inspection upload my file?
The supported inspection runs in the browser; the selected file is not sent to a Use Everyday Tools upload service.
Are my files uploaded?
The file is read and cleaned in your browser; it is not uploaded.
What is EXIF data?
EXIF is information cameras and phones embed in photos: date, device, settings and sometimes GPS coordinates.
Does removing metadata change the picture?
The pixels are unchanged. Only the embedded information is cleared.
How do I remove location data from a photo?
Choose the photo, then use the option to remove location only, or all metadata, and download the cleaned copy. JPGs are cleaned without re-compressing.