Canto vs. Jimpl vs. Metadata2go: top 10 photo metadata viewer tools
| April 5, 2024
Whether you want to see image metadata, hide the location of your photos, or respect copyright rules, there are different reasons for viewing and editing photo metadata.
However, photo metadata can be difficult to alter, especially if you need to change a lot of metadata in bulk. Sometimes, accessing photo metadata is difficult, and it’s not always clear how to change it.
That’s when specialized software called photo metadata viewers can help you find and edit photo metadata.
Below, we tested 10 different photo metadata viewer tools and found the ones that check the most boxes.
The top 10 photo metadata viewer tools
From in-browser tools to downloadable software, here are 10 of the best photo metadata viewer tools.
1. Canto
Canto is a browser-based digital asset management (DAM) platform. DAMs help you organize different types of digital media and their metadata, including images, videos, and documents.
It has features such as auto-tagging and file type categorization, robust search capabilities, and easy integration with multiple platforms to keep all your project files neat and organized.
Using Canto, it’s easy to view different types of image metadata and customize it.
Features:
- Uploads, tags, and stores hundreds of file types
- Uses Smart Tags to add objects found in images and videos and add them as metadata, making libraries instantly searchable
- Automatically organizes content by file type with Smart Albums
- Organizes and searches by people with facial recognition
- Includes custom metadata fields for unique image information
- Generates automatic HEX code labels
- Browses images by geographical location
- Uses powerful search features to filter results and zero in on the perfect brand content for any project
- Identifies the most relevant photos and videos with AI Visual Search
- Sizes and crops images for download with downloadable presets
Pros:
- Clean user-friendly interface that makes it simple to navigate
- Easy to create an organized content hub for brand assets using metadata
- Collaborate with your team on one central online tool
Cons:
- More advanced features than a typical metadata viewer tool, which may be a downside to people who want a simple option
- Internet connection is required to use it
Bottom line: Canto is the best choice for users who want to view, edit, and manage digital assets and their metadata in one place.
2. Metadata2go
Metadata2go offers insight into a wide variety of different image file types. It’s a browser-based metadata viewer that offers users a fast route to understanding information about their images.
Features:
- Provides comprehensive metadata information, including EXIF, IPTC, XMP, and more, depending on the file type
- In addition to image files, it can also extract metadata from various document, video, and audio formats, providing a broader range of use cases
- Doesn’t require any software installation, allowing users to access it from any device with an internet connection
Pros:
- Support for multiple file types makes it a versatile tool for different kinds of metadata analysis
- The drag-and-drop system makes it simple to navigate
- Since it’s web-based, it’s easily accessible without the need to install additional software
- Users don’t need to sign in or verify to access metadata
Cons:
- It’s primarily focused on viewing metadata rather than editing or modifying it
- There’s no feature for uploading image files via a link
Bottom line: Metadata2Go is another great tool for casual users and professionals who need a simple tool to quickly extract metadata from a wide variety of file types.
3. EXIF Data Viewer
EXIF Data Viewer is a size-limited (but effective) browser-based metadata viewer. It’s a simple one-page tool aimed at photographers who want to take a deeper look at images.
Features:
- Views image EXIF data such as the shutter speed, exposure compensation, F number, the metering system, and ISO number
- Displays if a flash was used for an image, auxiliary lenses, white balance, and resolution
- Shows the GPS information of images
Pros:
- The interface and site functionality are very simple––no one will struggle to find the functions on the page, as they’re the main focus of the entire website
- No need to sign up for the tool
- The page is highly functional and fast, as well as perfectly aesthetic
Cons:
- Advanced users looking to dive deeper into their photo metadata may need a more robust platform
- Only supports up to 20 MB of upload of single files
Bottom line: EXIF Data Viewer is best for photographers interested in how images were shot or produced.
4. Jimpl
Jimpl is a browser-based metadata viewer with a simple drag-and-drop upload system. It’s one of the few online tools that let you remove EXIF data and reduce image size, too.
Features:
- Uploads images through drag and drop or via URL
- Removes EXIF data
- Supports individual file uploads up to 50 MB
- Automatically deletes files after 24 hours
Pros:
- Enhances privacy by stripping EXIF data
- Reduces image file size, potentially reducing page load times
- User-friendly interface for easy use
- Doesn’t require sign-up or verification
Cons:
- Limited to removing metadata without broader image metadata editing capabilities
- Internet connection is required for use
- Relies on users remembering to manually remove metadata for privacy
Bottom line: Jimpl is best for users who want to remove potentially sensitive EXIF metatdata from images for privacy reasons.
5. ExifTool
ExifTool is a downloadable program for viewing and editing metadata. It’s the most complex, sophisticated photo metadata viewer available today.
Features:
- Supports hundreds of file formats
- Includes an active forum, resources, and an FAQ
- Multi-lingual output
- Automatic backup of the original image while editing
- Multiple output formatting options (including tab-delimited, HTML, XML, and JSON)
Pros:
- Broad file format support
- Reads, writes, and edits different metadata types
- Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux
- Allows batch processing
Cons:
- Can be daunting for non-technical users
- Some tasks may require advanced knowledge or scripting
Bottom line: It’s a top-tier tool for professional photographers who need advanced tools for metadata retrieval. It could be overkill for users with simple metadata viewing or editing needs.
6. Online EXIF Viewer
Online EXIF Viewer is a browser-based metadata viewer system that provides users with metadata immediately upon upload or link.
Features:
- Supports a wide range of image formats such as JPEG, JPG, TIFF, PNG, WebP, and HEIC image files
- Reads metadata locally and doesn’t upload files to the server
- Allows image upload via drag and drop or manual upload
Pros:
- Online EXIF Viewer is one of the easiest metadata tools to use
- Quick upload and processing time
- Frequent updates that include features like scrubbing serial numbers
- Protects user privacy since files aren’t stored on the tool’s server
Cons:
- The lack of metadata editing and bulk upload features could be a downside for some users
- Mainly focused on data for photographers like shutter speed and aperture
Bottom line: Online EXIF Viewer is a solid metadata viewer tool for photographers who want to check photo metadata quickly without worrying their data will be stored on the tool’s server.
7. Metadata++
Metadata++ is a versatile tool for extracting, editing, and managing photo metadata.
Features:
- Edits multiple metadata types (EXIF, GPS, XMP, and IPTC)
- Supports various image formats (JPG, JPEG, WEBM, TIFF, and RAW)
- Saves data in multiple formats (TXT, XML, HTML, and JSON)
- Includes a UNICODE display and search plugin
Pros:
- Supports all popular formats
- Fast and smooth performance
- Easy to use with a simple interface
Cons:
- May be challenging to use for beginners
- Requires users to download software
Bottom line: Metadata++ is a solid, user-friendly, and fast-performing offline metadata editor.
8. Abc EXIF Viewer
Abc EXIF Viewer is a browser-based photo metadata reader that only allows users to view metadata.
Features:
- Simple interface, with basic features to extract image metadata
- Users check metadata by uploading an image from a computer
- Provides detailed metadata information, including EXIF and XMP data, which covers a wide range of information from file names to resolution, the make and model of the device, and the creator
- Supports a variety of photo file formats including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and RAW files from different camera manufacturers
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Doesn’t require any installation or download––it’s accessible from any device with an internet connection
- The tool respects user privacy by not storing uploaded photos or their metadata on its servers
- Users can access and use the tool without needing to register or create an account
- There are two different ways to extract metadata: either by uploading an image from a computer or by entering a link
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer features for editing metadata
- The interface looks dated
Bottom line: ABC EXIF Viewer is best for casual users who want to quickly check photo metadata and don’t need any editing or analysis features.
9. GeoSetter
GeoSetter is a tool designed for editing GPS data in images. It’s ideal if you need to see or edit GPS locations or geotagging features.
Features:
- Organizes files by name, focal length, file size, and more
- Automatically launches a map displaying your favorite places
- Supports a variety of formats (JPEG, TIFF, and RAW)
- Provides multiple map types including terrain and satellite view for better navigation
- Offers functionality for adding directions and locking direction angle
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Various map support
- Batch processing lets you apply metadata changes to multiple photos at once
Cons:
- May hang or freeze occasionally
- Users report TIF file-loading issues
Bottom line: GeoSetter is the tool for users who have image GPS metadata they want to view and edit.
10. IrfanView
IrfanView is a popular image viewer with features like support for various file formats, batch processing, and basic photo editing tools.
Features:
- Supports multiple image and video formats (including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, RAW, and MOV)
- Batch processing capabilities
- Basic photo editing tools
- Lightweight and fast
Pros:
- Versatile and user-friendly
- Free for non-commercial use
- Plugin support for extended functionality
Cons:
- Outdated interface
- Limited advanced editing features
Bottom line: IrfanView is suitable for casual users who need a lightweight and fast image viewer with basic editing and batch processing capabilities.
How to choose the right photo metadata viewer
Here are 7 key elements to consider while choosing the right photo metadata viewer for your use cases:
- Compatibility: Ensure it supports the file formats you frequently use (e.g., JPEG, PNG, and RAW are common formats)
- Features: Look for features like viewing, editing, and removing metadata. Advanced users should check for batch processing capabilities
- Ease of use: The interface should be intuitive, especially if you’re not technically inclined
- Privacy: Choose a tool that respects your privacy by not uploading or storing your photos in the cloud
- Performance: Opt for a viewer that operates quickly and efficiently, even with large files
- Cost: Decide if a free tool meets your needs or if investing in a paid version offers valuable additional features
- Reviews and recommendations: Look for user feedback and professional reviews to gauge reliability and user satisfaction
Start managing photo metadata with Canto today
It’s time to say goodbye to your metadata-related headaches. Digital asset management platforms like Canto make organizing, viewing, and sharing your images and their metadata extremely easy. With features like auto-tagging, AI Visual Search, and facial recognition, Canto makes managing photos and their metadata easy and intuitive.
Ready to take your digital asset and metadata management to the next level? Explore our free ebook: Digital Asset Management for Beginners.
Photo metadata viewer tools frequently asked questions
What is EXIF data?
EXIF data is short for Exchangeable Image File Format. It’s information embedded in photo files by digital cameras and smartphones. It includes details like camera settings (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO), the date and time the photo was taken, and potentially the location if GPS was enabled.
EXIF data helps users understand the conditions under which a photo was captured and can be useful for improving photography skills, organize photo collections, and more.
How do photo metadata viewer tools compare in terms of privacy and data security, especially when uploading personal or sensitive images?
Privacy and data security are crucial, particularly for software handling personal images. Users should look for encryption, data protection policies, and whether images are stored or processed online for any tool they consider.
Are there any costs associated with using these tools, and if so, what are the pricing models for each?
Metadata viewer tools offer a range of options from free basic versions to paid premium features. Users should check each tool’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
How do these tools handle different file formats beyond the common JPEG and PNG, such as RAW files from various camera manufacturers?
The degree to which various tools support different file formats, particularly RAW files from a range of camera brands, differs. Some tools may offer broad compatibility, while others might be limited to more common formats like JPEG and PNG. Users interested in RAW file support should research each tool’s specifications or contact their support for detailed information on file format compatibility.