ExifTool-Find Meta Personal Information Of Images Using Linux & Termux

Discover the power of ExifTool for reading, writing, and manipulating metadata in various file types on Linux and Termux. Explore the world of Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) and learn how metadata can unveil hidden information in images.

Introduction:  Image Metadata

Dive into the realm of image metadata, where ExifTool, developed by Phil Harvey, emerges as a versatile tool. ExifTool, a combination of an independent Perl library and a command-line interface, empowers users to explore metadata intricacies in a multitude of files, with a focus on JPEG images. From basic camera details to advanced exposure settings, ExifTool unlocks a wealth of information stored within image files.

Understanding Metadata's Significance

Metadata, often overlooked, becomes a crucial asset for investigators. Even as some social media platforms eliminate metadata, many online images retain this valuable data. Explore the significance of metadata, a set of information describing image rights and controls, recorded automatically by cameras or scanners in formats like JPEG, DNG, PNG, and TIFF.

Installation Steps for Termux and Linux:

Ensure a smooth installation process by resetting dependencies and including necessary packages. Follow the commands outlined for Termux and Linux to integrate ExifTool seamlessly into your system.

Installation Termux:-

apt update && apt upgrade -y

pkg install exiftool -y 

apt install exif

Installation Linux:-

apt update && apt upgrade -y

sudo apt install exif

sudo apt-get install libimage-exiftool-perl

Using ExifTool: A Closer Look

Delve into the practical usage of ExifTool on both Termux and Linux. 

Learn how to extract and view comprehensive metadata details from image files. 

exiftool (filename)

Discover commands to capture Exif tags in Hexa-Decimal format 

exiftool -H (filename)

explore common meta-data information.

exiftool -common (filename.jpg)

GPS Location Co-ordinates: Unveiling Hidden Information

Explore the embedded GPS coordinates in photos taken with smartphones or cameras. Use ExifTool commands to reveal this hidden location information within image files.

exiftool  (filename) | grep GPS 

Saving Outputs in Multiple Formats: 

Enhance your data management by exporting EXIF data to a text file in various formats, including HTML. Learn the commands for saving and monitoring output files for a streamlined experience.

exiftool (filename) > (outputexif.txt)

cat (filename) 

Viewing EXIF Data from Video Files: 

Unlock the extended capabilities of ExifTool, which not only extracts metadata from JPEG files but also reads and writes to various file formats, including videos. Follow the commands to extract metadata details from MP4 video files.

exiftool (filename.mp4)

Removing Meta-Data Information: 

Gain control over your data by learning how to remove or delete all metadata from an image file using ExifTool. Understand the commands for erasing metadata and ensuring data privacy.

exiftool -all= (filename)

Manipulating Meta-Data

ExifTool empowers users with the capability to modify a substantial amount of information within EXIF tags. However, certain tags are safeguarded, as they delineate the physical properties of an image that cannot be altered using ExifTool, such as compression. Tags like GPS and MakerNotes, on the other hand, are open for editing.

exiftool  -Make= “hacksecurity” (filename)  

To alter the EXIF data, execute the following command:

Conclusion: Your Guide to ExifTool 

This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge to harness ExifTool's potential as a metadata extractor. With its user-friendly command-line interface, ExifTool emerges as a powerful and open-source tool for extracting metadata from a diverse range of file formats. Unlock the secrets hidden within your images and ensure control over your data with ExifTool.