Privacy checklist
How do you check EXIF and GPS privacy before sharing?
Scan the file first, identify location and device fields, then create a separate delivery copy if those details are not needed. Keep the original because metadata can support later editing, attribution or evidence.
Look for location and device identifiers
GPS coordinates can reveal where a photo was taken. Serial numbers, MakerNotes and capture dates can reveal equipment or timing. Treat each finding as context, not as a reason to erase every field.
The current automatic cleaner removes supported privacy fields from JPEG and PNG. It preserves copyright and orientation, and reports unsupported structures instead of guessing.
Verify the copy before sending it
The result records the original and output scan, including dimensions, transparency, color profile, orientation and encoded payload. Remaining findings stay visible for review.
WebP is scan-only, so use a specialist workflow if privacy cleaning is required for that format.
What this tool cannot promise
- Not every nested or compressed field is supported.
- A clean metadata report is not a legal privacy guarantee.
- Pixels and visible backgrounds can still reveal location.
Quick answer
Should I delete copyright metadata too? Usually review and keep it when it supports attribution or licensing. The tool does not remove it by default.
Primary source: ExifTool tag reference.