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ExifTool
Canada
What it is
ExifTool is free software for reading and changing metadata in files. It is both a Perl library and a command-line application, with support for metadata formats such as EXIF, GPS, IPTC, XMP, JFIF, GeoTIFF, ICC Profile, Photoshop IRB, FlashPix, AFCP, and ID3. It also handles maker notes from numerous camera manufacturers, including Apple, Canon, DJI, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony. The command-line application can read tags, write or delete values, and copy or move metadata between files. Sources can be file names, directory names, or standard input. ExifTool is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and can also be used in self-hosted or API contexts. Its Perl distribution can run without installation by extracting it on Mac or Linux, while the Windows EXE can be extracted. A C++ interface lets applications communicate with an external ExifTool process. When writing information, ExifTool preserves the original file by adding `_original` to its name by default, and it does not write metadata unsupported by the target format. It is not designed as an image validator; its extra validation checks focus mainly on JPEG and TIFF files.
For and against
For
- Reads, writes, deletes, copies, and moves metadata.
- Supports EXIF, GPS, IPTC, XMP, and other formats.
- Handles maker notes from numerous camera manufacturers.
- Accepts files, directories, or standard input.
- Free software for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Against
- It is not designed as an image validator.
- Extra validation checks focus mainly on JPEG and TIFF.
- Some options can execute Perl code.
- Metadata is not written if the target format does not support it.
The verdict
ExifTool offers broad metadata handling through a command-line application and Perl library. Its format limits and security cautions matter when choosing how to use it.
Who it suits
ExifTool suits people who need command-line or library-based access to file metadata across supported formats. It may also suit developers integrating metadata operations into C++ applications.
Plans and prices
ExifTool
Free software distribution; no paid plans listed
Read 30 Sep 2026 · exiftool.org
On the record
- API
- The full Perl distribution includes ExifTool documentation and API libraries.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Backups
- When writing information, ExifTool preserves the original file by adding `_original` to its file name.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Camera maker notes
- It supports maker notes from digital cameras by numerous manufacturers, including Apple, Canon, DJI, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Camera makers
- Its supported camera maker notes include formats from Apple, Canon, DJI, Nikon, Sony and other manufacturers.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Configuration security
- ExifTool executes user-defined code from an `.ExifTool_config` file in specified locations, and the maker advises ensuring such files contain only trusted code.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Distribution
- The maker offers a full Perl distribution, Windows executables and a macOS package; the Windows and macOS packages omit some files included in the full distribution.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- File handling
- The application accepts file names, directory names, or standard input as sources.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Installation
- ExifTool can be run without installation by extracting the Perl distribution on Mac or Linux, or the EXE version on Windows.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The maker provides a C++ interface that communicates with an external ExifTool process and exposes its features to C++ applications.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The author says ExifTool uses the Perl Artistic License, which permits embedding it in a commercial application under stated conditions and does not require a donation.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Limit
- The maker says ExifTool is not designed as an image validator, though it has a `-validate` feature for extra checks mainly on JPEG and TIFF files.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maintainer
- The official site identifies Phil Harvey as the author.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Metadata formats
- It supports metadata formats including EXIF, GPS, IPTC, XMP, JFIF, GeoTIFF, ICC Profile, Photoshop IRB, FlashPix, AFCP and ID3.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Original files
- When writing metadata, ExifTool preserves the original file by adding “_original” to its filename by default.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- ExifTool is a Perl library and command-line application for reading, writing and editing metadata in many kinds of files.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Read and write
- The command-line application can read metadata, write or delete tag values, and copy or move metadata between files.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Release
- The official site lists ExifTool version 13.58 as available May 5, 2026.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- The version history includes security updates.exiftool.org · read 30 Sep 2026
