ExifCleaner

Overview

Drop files or folders onto ExifCleaner to process them in bulk, then inspect a before-and-after comparison of removed metadata for each file. That combination is more reassuring than a blind batch operation, particularly when cleaning a large library. Options to save copies and preserve orientation or timestamps give users control over how cleanup affects their workflow.

The project says ExifCleaner has no automatic updates, network traffic, telemetry or phone-home behavior. It is open source under the MIT License. Releases are not code-signed, so users who want to verify an artifact can check its published SHA-256 checksum.

Key features

• Batch processing: The app handles tens, hundreds or thousands of files at once. This is useful for recurring cleanup or large collections, but only where the file formats are adequately supported.
• Per-file metadata comparison: A before-and-after diff shows which fields were removed from each file. It helps users review results rather than assume every file was cleaned identically.
• Workflow controls: Users can save copies, preserve orientation and timestamps, and remove macOS extended attributes. These options are practical when metadata cleanup should not also disrupt file organization or image orientation.
• Language choice: The app includes 25 languages with in-app switching, which makes it accessible to users who prefer working outside English.
• Security hardening: Version 4.0 added content security policy, Electron Fuses, IPC validation, navigation hardening and permission gates. These measures strengthen the desktop app's security posture, though they do not make its releases code-signed.

Pricing

ExifCleaner is free: its Free plan is free and is a desktop app for macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and 64-bit Linux. There is no paid tier to unlock batch processing; it is included. That makes the app a straightforward option for individuals and teams that need metadata removal without a software fee, though it does not change the format limitations.

Platforms

ExifCleaner runs on macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and 64-bit Linux. Its desktop availability across all three systems makes it suitable for mixed-platform environments. The tested intake list includes image formats, media such as MP4 and MOV, and PDF, but documented partial-removal or unsupported cases include RAF, MKV, TIFF, AVIF and some RAW files.

PDF cleanup needs particular care: ExifTool writes a reversible update, so the original PDF metadata remains recoverable. ExifCleaner should not be used when secure erasure of PDF metadata is a requirement. Similarly, users working with specialist or partially supported formats should verify that the app handles their files before relying on it for a complete cleanup.

Who it's for

ExifCleaner suits privacy-conscious desktop users who want a no-cost way to process batches of supported files and inspect the metadata removed from each one. Its copy, orientation and timestamp controls are useful for people cleaning existing libraries without wanting unnecessary changes to file handling. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs irreversible PDF metadata removal or dependable support for formats the project identifies as partial or unsupported.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Large batches with per-file review: Bulk processing saves repetitive work, while the diff makes the result inspectable file by file.
• Privacy-oriented local workflow: The project states that the app has no network traffic, telemetry or phone-home behavior.
• Useful controls at no cost: Copy-saving and timestamp or orientation preservation help tailor cleanup without a paid plan.
• Cross-platform desktop support: macOS, Windows and Linux users can use the same app across their systems.

Cons

• PDF metadata is not securely erased: The reversible update leaves original metadata recoverable, so sensitive PDF cleanup calls for another approach.
• Format support has meaningful gaps: Partial or unsupported handling for formats including TIFF, AVIF and some RAW files limits its reliability for specialist collections.
• Unsigned releases require an extra verification step: Published checksums help verify artifacts, but users must check them rather than rely on code signing.

Alternatives

Photo Metadata Editors is a useful place to compare other tools in this category. Choose Photo Metadata Editor instead if you want a free Windows desktop app distributed as an MSI installer or portable ZIP. Exif Pilot is another free Windows option, with a Basic EXIF editor plan.

Choose ExifTool if you need a free tool available across Linux, macOS, Windows, API and self-hosted environments. Metadata Stripper is a free, open-source native desktop alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows, with JPEG, PNG and WebP support. GeoSetter is a free Windows-only option with no usage restrictions.

PhotoME is a free-to-use Windows alternative. Photini is free software under GPL-3.0-or-later for Linux, macOS and Windows. ExiFox is a free macOS alternative.

Verdict

ExifCleaner is a strong fit for people who want free, local batch cleanup across supported image and media formats, with a per-file view of what changed. Its privacy stance, workflow controls and cross-platform support make it easy to recommend for ordinary desktop cleanup. Look elsewhere when you need secure PDF metadata erasure or consistent handling of formats the app only partially supports.