ExifCleaner vs Metadata Stripper

ExifCleaner is a desktop app for removing metadata from supported images, media files, and PDFs. You can drop files or folders into it and process large batches, then inspect a before-and-after diff of the metadata fields removed from each file. Options include preserving image orientation and timestamps, saving copies, and removing macOS extended attributes. The project states that the app has no automatic updates or network traffic, zero telemetry, and no phone-home behavior. It supports macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and 64-bit Linux, and includes 25 languages with in-app switching. Its tested intake list includes image formats, media such as MP4 and MOV, and PDFs. Some formats, including RAF, MKV, TIFF, AVIF, and certain RAW files, may be only partly handled or unsupported. PDF metadata removal is reversible, so original metadata remains recoverable rather than securely erased. ExifCleaner is open source under the MIT License. It is free.

Metadata Stripper is a free desktop app that scans image folders and creates cleaned copies without changing the originals. It supports JPEG, PNG, and WebP on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Scanning reports which metadata categories each image contains and does not modify files; cleaned copies are written to a `stripped/` subfolder beside the originals. For JPEGs, it removes EXIF, XMP, IPTC or Photoshop data, and comments. It removes specified metadata chunks from PNGs and EXIF and XMP chunks from WebP files. The app says it works on the file container without changing pixel data, recompressing, or resizing images. ICC color profiles are preserved across the supported formats. After installation, it runs offline, keeping images on the user's machine. The maker describes metadata stripping as a safety step for creators sharing thumbnails, behind-the-scenes photos, or marketplace listings. RAW files are not supported. The maker warns that macOS Gatekeeper or Windows SmartScreen may show a standard launch warning because code-signing is not set up for the project.