At the end of the post, you will find a list of several tools for Macs, PC’s, and command line to test out and add to your own ‘metadata toolbox.’ What is file metadata?Ī great way to think of file metadata is as extra information about a file, carried along with that file, that makes it easier to use and find. You can follow along as we walk through several examples, then tackle some real world file mysteries with the power of metadata. And because moving files into and out of computer backup and cloud storage services can affect metadata, we thought we’d take a high-level look at how this information works in common file types to help you understand how to optimize its use in your own file management. It’s something we work with at Backblaze every day.

Whenever you move a file-through email, into or out of a sync or cloud storage service, or to another device-you’re likely altering its metadata. “It” is “metadata” and it’s something everyone works with, even if they don’t know it.

But anyone else can access the same data and enter it directly into Google Maps to discover exactly where that picture was taken! Not quite as useful.īut if you know what this hidden information is-and how to use it-it can be incredibly helpful in diagnosing problems with files, organizing or protecting data, and even removing information you don’t want revealed! If you don’t, it can be a huge annoyance, and potentially even dangerous. For example, the image in the header reveals latitude and longitude details in an iPhone photo that you could use to organize the photo and find others taken in the same place.

ExifTool 12.The files you use every day on your Mac or PC, whether at home or at work, carry around a slew of hidden data that can be incredibly useful to you… or problematically revealing to others.

Download exiftool gui for windows