File Extension Database

Open EXIF File

EXIF files, which stand for Exchangeable Image File Format, are primarily used in photography as a standard to store interchange information in digital photography image files. EXIF files are used by digital cameras and scanners to provide relevant information about a photograph such as its date and time of creation, orientation, shutter speed, exposure compensation, metering pattern and much more.

Opening and Using EXIF Files

The good news is, you don't need a specialized software to open or make use of the EXIF data hidden in an image file. It can be viewed in most photo viewing and editing software applications, for instance Adobe Photoshop or even the native photo viewer in most operating systems. The EXIF data can be accessed by right-clicking the file and selecting 'properties' or 'get info', depending on the OS you're using, and then looking for something like 'details' or 'metadata'.

Understanding the EXIF Data

EXIF data includes useful information about how the picture was taken, such as exposure time, aperture, ISO speed, flash used or not, distance the camera focused at, white balance, and date and time the photo was taken. This data can be critical in understanding the circumstances in which a photo was taken, providing information that can help photographers to reproduce the effort in future shots. In addition, services like Google Maps can read GPS data stored in EXIF format and use this data to geotag photos.

Removing and Modifying EXIF Data

Sometimes, you might prefer to keep this information private, in which case you may want to remove this metadata from your photos. Programs such as Exif Purge allow you to conveniently purge a batch of photos of their EXIF data. Similarly, if you wish to modify the EXIF data of a photo, photo editing software like Photoshop provides you with that capability.

EXIF File Important Information

As evident from the above, while EXIF files can provide valuable information, they can also potentially reveal more than users may intend, such as their location at the time of taking a photograph. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of what's being shared, especially when it's put out onto the internet. This is why understanding EXIF data, its uses, and how to control its accessibility is important in today's digital world.

How Can I Open EXIF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open EXIF file is to find a EXIF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a EXIF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open EXIF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as EXIF file opener then try to search online for "EXIF viewer", "application to open EXIF file" or "open EXIF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open EXIF file

How Can I Open EXIF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a EXIF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a EXIF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with EXIF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as EXIF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open EXIF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open EXIF file then try to search for "EXIF viewer", "application to open EXIF file" or "read EXIF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read EXIF file

How Can I Open EXIF File on Android

If you downloaded a EXIF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded EXIF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "EXIF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "EXIF viewer", "EXIF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open EXIF File on iPhone or iPad

To open EXIF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the EXIF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "EXIF". This way you can find apps which can open EXIF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "EXIF viewer" or "EXIF file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.