Image, RAW & video metadata
View the metadata hidden inside photos, RAW files and videos
Alt Metadata Viewer reads metadata from photos, RAW camera files, videos and other media formats directly in your browser. It can show capture date, camera model, lens details, GPS location, image size, color profile, editing software and raw tag values when those fields exist inside the file.
What this tool shows
| Metadata | What it can reveal |
|---|---|
| Date taken | When the photo or video was originally captured, if the field exists. |
| GPS location | Latitude, longitude, altitude and map link when location metadata is stored. |
| Camera details | Camera make, model, lens, focal length, ISO, shutter speed and aperture. |
| File details | Format, dimensions, file size, color profile and technical container data. |
| Editing metadata | Software, XMP, IPTC, ICC and other embedded metadata when available. |
How to see where a picture was taken
A picture can show where it was taken only if the file still contains GPS metadata. When GPS fields are present, Alt Metadata Viewer decodes the coordinates and shows a map link. If the location data was removed by a phone setting, social platform, messaging app or editor, the original location cannot be recovered from the file alone.
How to see when a photo or video was taken
Photos often store the original capture time in EXIF date fields such as DateTimeOriginal. Videos may store creation time in the media container. Alt Metadata Viewer shows these fields when they exist, but edited, exported or downloaded files may show a modified date instead of the original capture date.
Supported file types
- Photos: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, WebP, GIF, HEIC/HEIF and AVIF
- RAW camera files: CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, ORF, RW2 and DNG
- Video: MP4 and MOV containers
- Design files: PSD metadata
- Metadata types: EXIF, TIFF IFD, XMP, IPTC and ICC profiles
EXIF, XMP, IPTC and ICC metadata explained
EXIF usually stores camera settings, capture date, lens details and GPS data.
XMP can store editing, rights and application metadata.
IPTC is often used for captions, creator details and publishing information.
ICC describes the color profile used to display the file correctly.
Why some metadata may be missing
Metadata is not guaranteed. Many platforms remove GPS data for privacy. Some editors rewrite metadata during export. Screenshots often contain little or no camera metadata. Files downloaded from social media may have most original metadata stripped.
Metadata privacy before sharing
Media files can contain more information than the image or video itself shows. Before sharing a file publicly, check whether it contains location, camera, software, creator or timestamp metadata. If the file includes private information, remove the metadata before uploading or sending it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a metadata viewer?
A metadata viewer reads information stored inside a file, such as capture date, camera settings, GPS coordinates, color profile, editing software and technical file details.
Is EXIF the same as metadata?
EXIF is one type of metadata. Media files can also contain XMP, IPTC, ICC and container metadata depending on the format.
Can this tool read RAW files?
Yes. Alt Metadata Viewer supports RAW camera formats such as CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, ORF, RW2 and DNG.
Can this tool read video metadata?
Yes. It can inspect MP4 and MOV container metadata, including creation time and embedded metadata when available.
Does the tool upload my files?
No. Files are parsed locally in your browser, so the media file does not need to leave your device.
Why is there no GPS location?
The file may never have had GPS data, or the location metadata may have been removed by a phone setting, app, editor or website.