> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://compresto.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# File metadata

> Preserve image metadata, color profiles, and creation dates during compression

## Overview

By default, Compresto strips metadata from files during compression to achieve smaller file sizes. However, you can choose to preserve various types of metadata when needed.

## Available Options

### Retain Image Metadata (EXIF, IPTC)

Preserves camera and photo information embedded in your images.

**EXIF data includes:**

* Camera make and model
* Date and time the photo was taken
* Exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO)
* GPS location (if available)
* Lens information

**IPTC data includes:**

* Copyright information
* Author/creator details
* Keywords and captions
* Location descriptions

<Warning>
  Enabling this option may increase output file size.
</Warning>

### Preserve Color Profile (ICC)

Maintains the original color space of your images. This is important for:

* Professional photography workflows
* Print production
* Color-accurate displays
* Images with specific color gamuts (Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB, Display P3)

<Note>
  Preserving color profiles may slightly increase file size but ensures colors display correctly across different devices.
</Note>

### Retain Creation Date

Keeps the original file creation date on the compressed output. Without this option, compressed files will have the current date as their creation date.

Useful for:

* Maintaining photo library organization
* Preserving chronological order in file managers
* Archival purposes

## How to Configure

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open Compresto
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Go to **Settings** > **Advanced**
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Toggle the metadata options you want to preserve:

    * **Retain image metadata (EXIF, IPTC)**
    * **Preserve color profile (ICC)**
    * **Retain creation date**

          <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/OeBIOIpDZVd45LNV/images/file_metadata.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=OeBIOIpDZVd45LNV&q=85&s=f22a24c066076c4ff0ca775aed6acd90" alt="file metadata" width="1724" height="1294" data-path="images/file_metadata.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

## When to Use

| Scenario                | Recommended Settings                              |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Maximum compression     | All options off                                   |
| Photography archive     | All options on                                    |
| Social media sharing    | All options off (platforms strip metadata anyway) |
| Print production        | Preserve color profile on                         |
| Organized photo library | Retain creation date on                           |