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EXIF data

Almost all digital cameras save JPEG (.jpg) files with EXIF (Exchangeable Image File) data. Camera settings and scene information are recorded by the camera into the image file. Examples of stored information are shutter speed, date and time a photo was taken, focal length, exposure compensation, metering pattern and if a flash was used.

EXIF dataUse the data as a learning tool

Many camera owners study EXIF to compare successful photos to those that are not. Data provides insight about how camera settings affect photo characteristics such as exposure, depth-of-field and subject movement.

Other file formats supporting EXIF

EXIF is read by applications that support JPEG and RAW and TIFF files. They include web browsers, image editing and organizing programs and some printer drivers. The printer drivers use the information to automatically enhance images, which can result in a better looking prints.

Preserving EXIF data

If a copy of an original image is edited and then Saved correctly, it will preserve the same data embedded in the original file. Check the manual of your photo editing software for specifics about preserving EXIF information during the editing process.

Viewing EXIF data at photo hosting sites

The information can be viewed online at photo hosting sites. It is often visible under, or to one, side of a photo on display. Or there will be a link or icon near the image. Click on it to reveal the EXIF data.

Panda iexif viewer

Different photo hosting sites may use terms other than EXIF. For example, Flickr uses the word properties instead of EXIF; Picasa web albums have an area called Photo information; click on the More Information link to see additional photo EXIF data.

Using browser EXIF viewers

Another way to access EXIF data when viewing photo online is to use an EXIF viewer that is compatible with your browser. Some freeware EXIF viewers are listed here, along with other useful free software for the digital darkroom.

Once the EXIF viewer is installed in your browser, right-click an image and then click the link for the EXIF information in the drop down menu. A window will open revealing available EXIF.

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15 Comments (add »)

  • On 2 July 2009 at 8:17 pm franc WWW said:

    TRES BIEN!

  • On 3 July 2009 at 7:20 am Luiz Ramos said:

    Thanks for info.

  • On 7 August 2009 at 12:41 pm jinka said:

    Intéréssent ;)

  • On 15 September 2009 at 11:30 pm alire said:

    Como faço para não aparecer o exif , quando posto uma foto?

  • On 17 September 2009 at 6:42 pm Gail Bjork said:

    alire, one of the ways to see the EXIF data when viewing a photo online is to use an EXIF viewer. I personally use Opanda Iexif. It’s FREE. Once th program installed, you simply right-click on an image that is posted on the web, click the iExif menu and a window will open to reveal available EXIF information. It’s important to note that if a person doesn’t Save a copy of an image correctly, EXIF data will not appear in the new file. Here’s information about how to  save EXIF data when editing images.

  • On 20 September 2009 at 2:28 pm matin said:

    i own a sony cybershot DSC 110.I want to know that how can i adjust my camera’s DPI(Dots Per Inch) manualy.currently its on 72,however i want to increase it for a clear resolution.Please help.

  • On 21 September 2009 at 10:41 am Gail Bjork said:

    You can change the dpi with photo editing software, not in the camera. In the camera, you can only change the resolution.

  • On 24 October 2009 at 1:31 pm Annette Clarke said:

    Is it possible to print a photo with the Exif information showing as well? (I use Picassa)

    Thank you

  • On 24 October 2009 at 2:03 pm Gail Bjork said:

    Yes, select an image or images and click the Print Button. Then press the Border and Text Options button. A Printing Options window opens. Click the Boarder and Text Options button > Select the radial button for EXIF information.

    In this window, you can also do additional things such as add a border, change the font type and size, and select if the EXIF info is printed below or on the image. The preview window shows you what the print will look like.

    You can also do this if you print contact sheets of photos. Album > Print Contact Sheet.

  • On 24 October 2009 at 2:44 pm Annette Clarke said:

    Thank you very much - I will try it.

  • On 24 October 2009 at 3:00 pm Annette Clarke said:

    Hi Gail,  I’ve tried that and although it works it doesn’t put the information I want on or below the image.  The main Exif info I would like is the date and time (if possible).  Can that be done?
    Thank you.

  • On 7 November 2009 at 5:58 pm Daniel said:

    bardzo dziękuje! (Thank you very much!)

  • On 7 November 2009 at 7:51 pm Gail Bjork said:

    You’re very welcome Daniel!

  • On 13 November 2009 at 7:37 am Giclee Printing said:

    thank you for that article. (EXchangeable Image Format) Extensions to image file formats that hold the camera settings used to take the picture. Developed in 1995 by JEIDA for JPEG images, EXIF data was added to TIFF, RAW and other formats later. Most digital cameras support EXIF and save the data in the file headers. However, when an image is edited, the EXIF data may be automatically removed by the software. An EXIF reader is a utility that is used to read, display and save EXIF data from a file. [Source].

  • On 14 November 2009 at 9:09 pm Giclee Printing said:

    You can download EXIF READER from here for free.
    http://www.snapfiles.com/get/exifreader.html

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