The 7 best photo metadata viewer tools in 2021
| July 9, 2021
What intrusive information is lurking in your digital photographs? The answer is often hard to dig up, but with a photo metadata viewer, it’s easy. We’ve put together a list of the best systems available to make sure you can quickly access and control the information attached to your images.
The Top 7 photo metadata viewer tools available
We’ve tested seven different photo metadata viewer systems and have concluded that the following check the most boxes.
1. Metapicz
What it is: Metapicz is a browser-based photo metadata viewer that exists solely to give users a chance to see metadata.
Advantages: The interface is simple, with literally nothing other than the bare basics of finding metadata of images on the page. There are two different ways to check metadata: either by uploading an image from a computer, or by entering a link.
Disadvantages: Despite being one of the most helpful, efficient and fast sites for retrieving metadata from images, metapicz has a few browser bugs and insecurities. Though this isn’t the biggest deal considering it still serves its purpose, it could get frustrating if it were used extensively.
2. Metadata2go
What it is: Metadata2go offers insight into a wide variety of different image file types. It’s a browser-based service that offers users a fast route to understanding info.
Advantages: Though the interface is a bit more comprehensive than other sites, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult. There are key indicators to guide users toward the most important pieces of metadata to find. It’s a well-built site that runs smoothly and does tasks quickly.
Disadvantages: A drag and drop system is effective, but if it’s the only option, it can be restrictive. That is the case with 2Go, which does the upload system as good as anyone, but leaves a lot to be desired for options.
3. Regex
What it is: Regex is a space-saving website page that gives users numerous options and file extension choices when finding metadata for their images.
Advantages: Uploading images to Regex is easy, with numerous file extensions compatible. There’s also a link option for those images which users don’t have downloaded, which can save some space.
Disadvantages: If you’re trying to obtain metadata from a large quantity of image files, you’re going to be disappointed. Regex uses a captcha to make sure its users are human, which might be helpful to crack down on robot traffic, but is annoying when you have to repeat the process over and over.
4. Exifdata
What it is: Exifdata is a size-limited (but effective) browser-based metadata viewer.
Advantages: The interface and site functionality are the best we’ve seen. No one will struggle finding the functions on the page, as they’re the main focus of the entire website. The page is highly functional and extremely fast, as well as perfectly aesthetic.
Disadvantages: Exifdata doesn’t have a whole lot to point to when looking for negatives, so that’s a good thing. However, the lack of options can be seen as a negative for the more advanced users.
5. Jimpl
What it is: Jimpl is a browser-based metadata viewer with a drag-and-drop system to make things as easy as possible for the user to upload.
Advantages: Jimpl is a modern site, filled with cutting-edge technology for users looking to grab some metadata. On top of both an upload and link function, it has an expansive glossary of helpful terms, and 50MB of upload limit room, which is more than most programs.
Disadvantages: The site works great, but the extra aesthetic features add to the site’s load time, and clutters some of the page.
6. Exiftool
What it is: Exiftool is a downloadable program (regularly updated) that not only views, but also edits metadata. Though it’s a comprehensive tool, it is a top-notch viewer if that is your only desire.
Advantages: Exiftool is by far the most complex, sophisticated photo metadata viewer available today. It stands alone as the tool for professional photographers and advanced users who want to take the next step in metadata retrieval.
Disadvantages: This isn’t a disadvantage per se, but if you happen to be a less advanced technical user, you might find this system to be a bit overkill. Also, if you’re looking for a quick way to get metadata without installing an entire system, this isn’t for you.
7. exif-viewer
What it is: exif-viewer is a browser-based system that provides users with metadata immediately upon upload or link, without any form of sign up or verification to receive the metadata.
Advantages: exif-viewer might actually be the easiest system to use. Though it’s a bit unorganized, it’s just so simple that users will have an easy time navigating the functions and getting on with whatever else they have to do. It also provides a URL space for those without images on a hard drive or PC.
Disadvantages: We normally commend programs that are browser-based if they cut down on all the extra bells and whistles. However, with exif-viewer, their page looks like a barren wasteland, and its security leaves a lot to be desired. It’s still an effective program, but some improvement is needed.
Why do you need a photo metadata viewer?
Let’s face it, we have more digital photos and images than we know what to do with. And, when it comes to finding the metadata of each file, things get really complicated. A photo metadata viewer simplifies the process, giving even the most basic user a chance to access and view information about a specific photo file.
Bonus photo metadata viewer: DAM
Digital asset management (DAM) isn’t a photo metadata viewer tool exclusively, but it does in fact allow users to view metadata, among many other things. Of course, using a DAM specifically as a photo metadata viewer tool is rare, but if someone is looking for a tool that centralizes images, it’s right for you.
Closing thoughts
Compiling all the metadata about a specific image file can be a hassle. Luckily, finding it doesn’t have to take a lot of work, thanks to the many photo metadata viewers available. Find the right system for you and take a shortcut through the potential tedious tasks.