Source: https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/exif-metadata

# What is EXIF metadata?

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

EXIF metadata is information stored inside a photo file, such as the camera model, the date and often the GPS location where it was taken.

## What it is

EXIF is written by the camera or phone. Related standards, IPTC and XMP, hold captions, copyright and edit history. Together they are called metadata.

## Why it matters on a Mac

Photos you share may reveal where you live or work through their location data. Some sites remove it on upload, but many do not.

## How to check it on macOS

In Preview, open the photo and choose Tools > Show Inspector, then look at the Exif and GPS tabs.

## How Toolbox handles it

Remove Metadata strips EXIF, IPTC and XMP data from batches of photos and saves clean copies. With Keep orientation on, only the rotation tag is kept so the photo still displays correctly. Convert Images and Compress Images have a Keep metadata option too.

## Frequently asked questions

**Does removing EXIF change the picture?**

No. The pixels stay the same.

**Do my originals lose their metadata?**

No. Toolbox saves copies and leaves originals alone.

**Do screenshots have location data?**

Normally not, since a screenshot is created by the system and not by a camera.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Remove Metadata**: Strip location, camera and date info from photos.](https://mactoolbox.app/remove-exif-data-mac)
- [**Convert Images**: Save photos as JPEG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF or WebP.](https://mactoolbox.app/heic-to-jpg-mac)
- [**Compress Images**: Make photos smaller without visible loss in quality.](https://mactoolbox.app/compress-images-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Remove Metadata](https://mactoolbox.app/remove-exif-data-mac)
- [Convert Images](https://mactoolbox.app/heic-to-jpg-mac)
- [Compress Images](https://mactoolbox.app/compress-images-mac)