An introduction to metadata in photos

Every time you snap a photo, your camera records more than just the image. It saves details like the date, time, camera settings, and sometimes even your location. This hidden information is called EXIF metadata — and understanding it is essential for organizing, editing, and sharing photos safely.

In this short series, you'll learn what EXIF data is, why it's embedded in most modern image files, and how to manage it on your own terms. Whether you're cleaning up your library or protecting your privacy, these guides will walk you through it step by step.

Articles in the series:

A beginner-friendly series explaining what EXIF metadata is, how to manage it, and why it matters for privacy, organization, and editing workflows.
A plain-language overview of EXIF metadata — what it is, what it stores, and why it’s important for photographers, archivists, and anyone who shares photos online.
A beginner-friendly guide to removing EXIF data from photos for privacy, security, and simplicity — with options for Windows, Mac, and StorePhotos.
A practical guide to viewing and editing EXIF metadata, including tools for beginners and power users on desktop and within StorePhotos.