ExifTool for Mac

Overview

ExifTool is a versatile utility for inspecting, editing, and writing metadata embedded in photos and videos on macOS. It works across many file types and is especially useful for anyone who needs to extract technical details or modify metadata for large collections of media. Its low-resource, command-line design makes it suitable for automated workflows and batch operations.

Metadata Formats Supported

• XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) and related XML-based tags
• IPTC descriptive fields used by news and media organizations
• GPS/geolocation tags embedded in image and video files
• EXIF technical metadata produced by cameras and imaging devices

Cameras and Devices Compatible

• Sony and other mirrorless and DSLR manufacturers
• Nikon models and their associated raw file formats
• Canon cameras and the common proprietary files they produce

Notable Capabilities

• Command-line operation for scripting and automation, minimizing GUI overhead
• Read, modify, and write metadata across image and video files
• Batch processing to handle thousands of files in a single run
• Extraction of location, timestamp, and camera settings for analysis or cataloging

Suggested Alternative: MacDroid (Free)

If you prefer a graphical solution or need an easy way to transfer media between Android devices and macOS, MacDroid is a recommended free alternative. It provides a simpler, point-and-click interface for managing files while still offering reliable handling of media metadata and transfers.