ExifTool for Mac: The Easy GUI Alternative to View & Extract Metadata

ExifTool for Mac: The Easy GUI Alternative to View & Extract Metadata

ExifTool is the gold standard for reading, writing, and editing metadata in images, videos, PDFs, and audio files. Created by Phil Harvey, it supports an enormous range of file formats and metadata standards — EXIF, IPTC, XMP, GPS, and hundreds more. There's just one catch: ExifTool is a command-line program, which can feel intimidating if you're not comfortable in the Terminal.

In this guide, we'll show you how to install and use ExifTool on Mac, cover the most useful commands, and — if you'd rather skip the command line entirely — point you to the easiest GUI alternatives for viewing and extracting metadata.

What Is ExifTool?

ExifTool is a free, open-source utility for reading and manipulating metadata. Metadata is the hidden information embedded inside a file: when a photo was taken, which camera and lens were used, GPS coordinates, exposure settings, copyright info, and much more.

Photographers, journalists, forensic analysts, and privacy-conscious users rely on ExifTool because it:

• Supports 100+ file formats — JPEG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF, RAW (CR2, NEF, DNG), MP4, MOV, PDF, and more
• Reads and writes metadata — not just viewing, but editing and removing it too
• Handles batch operations — process thousands of files with a single command
• Is completely free — no ads, no premium tier, no file size limits

If you only need to view metadata quickly, you may prefer a visual tool — see our guide to the best image metadata extractor options and our free online EXIF viewer.

How to Install ExifTool on Mac

There are two easy ways to install ExifTool on macOS.

Option 1: Install with Homebrew (Recommended)

If you have Homebrew installed, this is the fastest method. Open Terminal and run:

brew install exiftool

Homebrew handles the installation and keeps ExifTool updated with brew upgrade exiftool.

Option 2: Download the Official Package

1. Visit exiftool.org
2. Download the macOS Package (.pkg file)
3. Double-click the installer and follow the prompts
4. Verify the installation by running exiftool -ver in Terminal

If a version number prints (for example, 12.76), ExifTool is ready to use.

Essential ExifTool Commands

Here are the commands you'll use most often. Replace image.jpg with your actual file name, or drag a file into the Terminal window to auto-fill its path.

View All Metadata

exiftool image.jpg

This prints every metadata field ExifTool can find, from camera model to color profile.

View Specific Fields

exiftool -GPSLatitude -GPSLongitude -DateTimeOriginal image.jpg

Useful when you only care about location or capture date.

Extract Metadata to a Text File

exiftool image.jpg > metadata.txt

This saves the full metadata dump to a text file you can archive or share.

Extract Metadata for an Entire Folder

exiftool -csv *.jpg > all-metadata.csv

The -csv flag creates a spreadsheet-friendly file with one row per image — perfect for cataloging a photo library.

Remove All Metadata

exiftool -all= image.jpg

This strips every metadata tag, which is handy for privacy before sharing photos online. (Want a simpler way? See how to remove EXIF data.)

View GPS Location on a Map

exiftool -c "%.6f" -GPSPosition image.jpg

Copy the coordinates into Google Maps to see exactly where a photo was taken.

ExifTool GUI Alternatives (No Command Line Needed)

Not everyone wants to memorize Terminal commands. If you'd rather point, click, and read metadata visually, these alternatives get the job done.

1. Compresto (Mac)

Compresto is a native macOS app that compresses and converts media — and it retains or reads metadata as part of its workflow. If your goal is to inspect a file's details and then optimize it in the same place, Compresto keeps everything in one drag-and-drop interface with no Terminal required.

Best for: Mac users who want metadata handling alongside compression and conversion.

2. Online Image Metadata Extractor

Our free image metadata extractor runs right in your browser. Upload a photo and instantly see EXIF, GPS, camera, and IPTC data — nothing is uploaded to a server, so your files stay private.

Best for: Quick one-off checks without installing anything.

3. Preview (Built Into macOS)

macOS Preview shows basic metadata for free. Open an image, press ⌘ + I (or Tools > Show Inspector), and click the (i) tab. You'll see dimensions, camera, and EXIF details — though far fewer fields than ExifTool exposes.

Best for: Fast, no-install viewing of common EXIF fields.

4. ExifTool GUI Wrappers

Several third-party apps wrap ExifTool in a graphical interface, giving you ExifTool's power with clickable menus. These are handy if you need full ExifTool coverage but dislike the command line.

Best for: Power users who want ExifTool's depth with a visual front end.

ExifTool vs. GUI Tools: Which Should You Use?

Tool	Interface	Formats	Batch	Edit/Remove	Cost
ExifTool	Command line	100+	Yes	Yes	Free
Compresto	Native Mac app	Images, video, PDF	Yes	Retains/handles	Paid
Online extractor	Browser	Common images	No	View only	Free
macOS Preview	Built-in	Common images	No	Limited	Free

Choose ExifTool if you need maximum format coverage, scripting, or batch editing.

Choose a GUI tool if you just want to view or extract metadata quickly without touching the Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ExifTool free?

Yes. ExifTool is completely free and open source, with no file limits, ads, or premium tiers.

Does ExifTool work on Mac?

Yes. ExifTool runs natively on macOS. Install it with Homebrew (brew install exiftool) or download the official .pkg installer from exiftool.org.

Can ExifTool remove metadata?

Yes. Run exiftool -all= image.jpg to strip all metadata from a file. This is a common privacy step before sharing photos. For a no-code approach, see how to remove EXIF data.

What's the easiest ExifTool alternative for beginners?

If you want to avoid the command line, use a visual tool like our online image metadata extractor, macOS Preview's Inspector, or a native app like Compresto.

Can ExifTool read video metadata?

Yes. ExifTool reads metadata from MP4, MOV, and many other video formats, including creation date, GPS, and codec details. For a focused option, see our video metadata extractor guide.

Does ExifTool modify my original files?

By default, ExifTool creates a backup (image.jpg_original) when editing. Use the -overwrite_original flag to skip the backup — but always keep a copy of important files first.

View and Manage Metadata the Easy Way

ExifTool is unmatched for depth and flexibility, but the command line isn't for everyone. If you want to inspect a file's metadata and then compress or convert it in a single, drag-and-drop workflow, Compresto brings metadata handling and media optimization together on your Mac.

Download Compresto and manage your files — metadata and all — without touching the Terminal.