Image guide · Updated 3 November 2026
Pixels describe the picture. Metadata describes the file.
Image pixels create the visible photo or artwork. Metadata can describe how that image was captured, edited or packaged. Depending on the file and software, it may include dimensions, camera details, timestamps, creator information or editing notes.
Common kinds of embedded information
- EXIF: commonly used for camera settings, orientation and sometimes location information.
- XMP: an extensible format used by editing and publishing applications for many kinds of descriptive information.
- IPTC: often used in editorial workflows for captions, creator details and rights information.
- PNG text and application blocks: can store comments or other application-specific information.
Not all metadata means AI
A camera photo and an AI-generated image can both contain metadata. Finding XMP or EXIF is not proof of how an image was created. Equally, a file without those blocks is not proof that it came from a camera.
Think before you remove it
Metadata may include information you want to keep, such as attribution or copyright details. Retain your original and preserve important records separately. If your goal is a fresh shareable export, use the AI label remover and review the result.
Inspect the structure
The metadata inspector can identify supported embedded-block types and their sizes. It is not a complete forensic analyzer or a viewer for every individual tag.