File Metadata Viewer
View the metadata associated with a file, such as creation date and author.
Inspect Hidden File Metadata Online: View EXIF Data, GPS Coordinates & Document Authors
Every digital file you create carries an invisible digital shadow: metadata.
When you snap a smartphone photo, write a report in Microsoft Word, or export a PDF brochure, the software silently embeds dozens of technical parameters directly into the file. A casual smartphone photo often contains the exact GPS latitude and longitude of your home, the serial number of your phone, and the exact second the photo was taken.
Sharing files online without checking this hidden metadata first can accidentally leak your home address, expose confidential client names, or reveal internal company software versions to competitors.
Our free File Metadata Viewer inspects and displays all hidden metadata embedded inside photos, PDF documents, and media files. View camera EXIF settings, uncover embedded GPS maps, check document authors, and inspect creation timestamps—all executed securely and privately right in your browser.
What Hidden Metadata Lurks Inside Your Everyday Files?
1. Photo EXIF Data (Exchangeable Image File Format)
Cameras and smartphones record exhaustive technical shooting parameters:
- Hardware specs: Camera manufacturer (Apple, Sony, Canon), phone model, lens model, and firmware version.
- Exposure values: Shutter speed, aperture (f-stop), ISO sensitivity, focal length, and flash status.
- Exact Geolocation: GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude) accurate to within three meters.
2. PDF & Office Document Properties
Word processors embed administrative and corporate metadata:
- Author & Organization: User account name, company name, and original template creator.
- Software Producer: PDF conversion tool, operating system build, and printer drivers.
- Timeline & Revision Count: Exact creation date, last modification timestamp, and total editing time.
3. Audio & Video Media Tags
Reveals audio bitrates, sample rates, encoding profiles, embedded ID3 artist/album tags, video dimensions, frame rates, and color profiles.
Why Checking Metadata Protects Your Personal Privacy
⚠️ The Real Danger of Accidental Geotag Leaks
If you take a picture of an item you want to sell on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and your phone has location services enabled, the photo file contains your precise residential GPS coordinates.
Anyone can download that image and view the GPS coordinates on Google Maps, pinpointing your exact front door. Always check your files before publishing to verify whether sensitive location metadata is embedded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the metadata if I find sensitive information?
Yes! You can use our companion PDF Metadata Scrubber or Image Watermark & Resizer tools to strip away all GPS tags, author names, and camera models before sharing your files publicly.
Do social media sites like Twitter and Instagram strip EXIF data automatically?
Most major social media platforms (like Instagram and Twitter) automatically strip EXIF metadata when images are uploaded publicly. However, email attachments, Discord image uploads, Google Drive shared folders, and SMS text messages frequently retain raw EXIF data completely intact!
Are my files uploaded to your server to extract metadata?
No. All file reading executes locally inside your web browser using HTML5 binary stream parsing. Your personal photos and confidential documents never leave your computer.