ExifCleaner

Overview

Drop files or folders onto the app to process tens, hundreds or thousands at once. A before-and-after comparison for each file shows which metadata fields were removed, a useful check when applying the same operation across a library. Options to save copies and preserve orientation or timestamps offer control over side effects; macOS users can also remove extended attributes.

The project says ExifCleaner has no automatic updates, network traffic, telemetry or phone-home behavior. That offline design suits privacy-conscious workflows. Releases are not code-signed, though SHA-256 checksums are published for every artifact. The app is open source under the MIT License and supports 25 languages with in-app switching.

Key features

• Batch removal: Bulk processing saves time on large collections, but the formats and fields handled vary; check the documented limits before relying on it for a specialist archive.
• Per-file metadata diff: Seeing removed fields helps verify the outcome of each cleanup rather than treating the batch as a black box.
• Processing controls: Saving copies and preserving orientation or timestamps can help avoid unwanted changes. Removing macOS extended attributes is a platform-specific extra.
• Privacy posture: The stated absence of network traffic and telemetry is a clear fit for local cleanup, while unsigned releases mean users should verify artifacts with the published checksums.
• Format caveats: The intake list covers image, media formats such as MP4 and MOV, and PDF, but RAF, MKV, TIFF, AVIF and some RAW files may have partial removal or no support. The broad intake should not be mistaken for uniform metadata coverage.
• PDF caution: ExifTool's PDF update is reversible, so original metadata can be recovered. Do not use ExifCleaner when PDF metadata must be securely erased.

Pricing

Free: Free. The desktop app includes batch editing and metadata tools at no charge; there are no paid tiers to trade off against a cheaper plan. It is a strong fit for personal or routine cleanup where its format and PDF limits are acceptable. The release is MIT-licensed open-source software.

Platforms

ExifCleaner supports macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and 64-bit Linux. This makes it usable across the three major desktop systems, but it is not a mobile app or a hosted service.

Who it's for

Choose ExifCleaner for offline batch cleanup when per-file visibility and controls over copies, orientation or timestamps matter. It is less suitable for workflows centered on formats with partial or unsupported removal, or for anyone who needs irreversible removal from PDFs.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Processes very large batches, reducing repetitive work on supported files.
• Pro: Shows removed fields per file, giving users a practical way to review results.
• Pro: Runs without the network traffic or telemetry the project describes, and costs nothing.
• Con: Format handling is uneven, including documented gaps for several common and specialist formats.
• Con: PDF metadata remains recoverable, so the app cannot provide secure PDF erasure.
• Con: Releases are unsigned, which may be a concern for users who require signed installers.

Alternatives

Photo Metadata Editors is the broader directory category for comparing tools in this area.

• ExifTool is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows, as well as API and self-hosted use; choose it when those non-desktop deployment options matter.
• Metadata Stripper is a free, open-source native desktop app for Linux, macOS and Windows focused on JPEG, PNG and WebP; choose it when that narrower image set fits your workflow.
• Photini is a free GPL-3.0-or-later option for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Photo Metadata Editor is a free Windows desktop app distributed as an MSI installer and portable ZIP.
• Exif Pilot is a Windows freemium option with a free Basic EXIF editor.
• SetEXIFData costs 12.94 EUR per once and offers a trial; its serial number covers macOS, Windows and Linux, initially for up to three activations.
• GeoSetter is a free Windows-only option with no usage restrictions.
• PhotoME is a free Windows option.

Verdict

ExifCleaner is the right pick for users who want free, offline batch metadata removal with a per-file audit trail across desktop platforms. Its combination of scale, controls and privacy posture is compelling; look elsewhere if your files depend on formats it handles only partially, or if PDF metadata must be irrecoverable.