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ExifCleaner
What it is
ExifCleaner is a free, open-source desktop app that removes metadata from supported images, media files and PDFs. Users can drag files or folders into the application and process large batches together. A before-and-after view shows which metadata fields were removed from each file. Options include preserving orientation and timestamps, saving copies, and removing macOS extended attributes.
The project states that ExifCleaner has no automatic updates, network traffic, telemetry or phone-home behavior. It supports macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and 64-bit Linux, with 25 in-app languages. Its intake formats include images, media such as MP4 and MOV, and PDFs. Some formats, including RAF, MKV, TIFF, AVIF and some RAW files, may be partially handled or unsupported. PDF metadata removal is not secure erasure: the update is reversible, so original metadata remains recoverable. The software is released under the MIT License. Releases are not code-signed, though SHA-256 checksums are published for every artifact.
For and against
For
- Processes large batches of files.
- Shows removed metadata in a before-and-after view.
- Options preserve timestamps and image orientation.
- No telemetry or network traffic, according to the project.
- Available for macOS, Windows and 64-bit Linux.
Against
- PDF metadata updates are reversible.
- Some formats are partially supported or unsupported.
- Releases are not code-signed.
- Some operating systems require recent versions.
The verdict
ExifCleaner offers batch metadata removal with file-by-file comparisons and configurable preservation options. Its PDF limitation, format gaps and unsigned releases are important considerations.
Who it suits
ExifCleaner suits people who want to remove metadata from supported files in batches on a desktop computer. It is not a secure-erasure solution for PDF metadata, and users should check format limitations before processing files.
Plans and prices
Free
macOS 12+ · Windows 10+ · Linux 64-bit · desktop app
Read 1 Oct 2026 · exifcleaner.com
On the record
- Batch processing
- The app processes tens, hundreds, or thousands of files at once.exifcleaner.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Input method
- Users can drag files or folders onto the application.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The application includes 25 languages with in-app language switching.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- License
- ExifCleaner is free and open source software released under the MIT License.exifcleaner.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Metadata inspection
- Users can view a before-and-after diff of removed metadata fields for each file.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Offline privacy
- The project states that ExifCleaner has no automatic updates or network traffic, zero telemetry, and no phone-home behavior.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- PDF limitation
- ExifTool writes a reversible PDF update, so the original PDF metadata remains recoverable and cannot be securely erased.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Privacy controls
- Options include preserving orientation, saving copies, removing macOS extended attributes, and preserving timestamps.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ExifCleaner strips metadata from supported images, media files, and PDFs.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- RAW and format limits
- ExifCleaner documents partial-removal or unsupported behavior for formats including RAF, MKV, TIFF, AVIF, and some RAW files.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Security hardening
- Version 4.0 added CSP, Electron Fuses, IPC validation, navigation hardening, and permission gates.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Supported formats
- The tested intake list includes image formats, media formats such as MP4 and MOV, and PDF.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The application supports macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and 64-bit Linux.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Unsigned builds
- Releases are not code-signed, and the project publishes SHA-256 checksums for every artifact.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
