ExiFox vs Metadata Stripper

ExiFox is a free native Mac app for reading, editing, removing and restoring photo and video metadata. It handles EXIF, IPTC, XMP and GPS tags through a bundled ExifTool binary. Files can be dragged, pasted or browsed into the app, with thumbnails shown in a sidebar. Metadata is grouped and filterable, with inline change indicators and one-click revert or save. EXIF and GPS details can be stripped from one file or a batch. Reusable presets add, change or remove fields and can be exported as JSON, YAML or TOML. Favorite tags help narrow long metadata lists. Processing happens locally; the maker says files are not uploaded and the app works offline without an account or server. ExiFox supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 14 Sonoma or newer. Distribution is through a direct DMG or Homebrew, with the direct version receiving updates. The app checks for signed HTTPS updates, and the download is Apple Developer ID-signed and notarized. It is free with all features included and no in-app purchases.

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.