METADATA

 

Metadata, or Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF), contains information about a photo, such as the date, time, file name, color space, aperture value, and camera model. Inconsistencies in the metadata can indicate deceptive editing or manipulation. 

Here are some ways to find metadata on a photo

• Right-click

  Right-click on the image and select Properties or Info. On Windows, the Details tab will display the metadata. 

How do I remove EXIF data?

Although EXIF data is very useful, there may be times when you'd prefer not to share details that identify you, your location or your camera equipment.

If you host and post images online, some services may automatically strip out embedded metadata for privacy reasons. The image.canon cloud-based photo management service offers the option to generate a "thumbnail" version of an image (a JPEG up to 2,048 pixels), suitable for web or app use, and this thumbnail will not include the image metadata.

EXIF data can also be unintentionally removed from a digital photo when you're carrying out post-processing and manipulation, such as compositing images. But how can you remove EXIF data intentionally, or delete specific information you don't want to share?

There are a several standalone EXIF removal tools available, but there are more straightforward options. If you're using Windows, you can do the job directly in File Explorer:

1. Right-click the image and select Properties, then click the Details tab.
2. Click Remove Properties and Personal Information at the foot of this window.
3. You'll be given the option to create a copy of the image with all the metadata removed, or remove some or all of the EXIF data from the existing file.

It's also easy to remove EXIF data in your image editing and RAW processing software, including DPP and Lightroom. Here's how to do it in DPP:

1. Go to File > Convert and save.
2. In the window that appears, click and hold the drop-down menu next to Shooting info setting.
3. You can choose to remove the shooting info or just the GPS info – or leave all the shooting info intact.

You also have the option of including or excluding GPS info when you transfer files wirelessly from a Wi-Fi enabled Canon camera to a mobile device via the Canon Camera Connect app. Removing GPS data from a photo can be a priority for people who want to protect their privacy, particularly if it discloses the location of their home.