ExifTool is the reference-grade engine that many other apps quietly wrap. It is a Perl command-line tool that reads, writes and erases metadata across a huge range of formats, EXIF, IPTC, XMP, GPS and maker notes in JPEG, RAW, PDF, video, audio and Office files. Nothing matches its breadth or precision for auditing and scrubbing mixed archives and a standalone Windows executable means you don't need Perl installed. The cost is a learning curve: it is driven by flags in the terminal, not a friendly window. If you are comfortable on the command line it is the most thorough option here; if not, use ExifCleaner, which runs ExifTool for you.
ExifTool
The reference-grade command-line engine for reading and erasing metadata.
exiftool.orgFreeOpen SourceWindowsmacOSLinuxOpen-source project
PricingFree and open source.
Strengths
- Unmatched format and tag coverage
- Precise, scriptable batch scrubbing
- Cross-platform, with a standalone Windows build
- Free and open source, actively developed
Considerations
- Command-line only, steep learning curve
- No graphical interface
Listed inMetadata Removal
