Guide
EXIF vs metadata: what is the difference?
People often use "EXIF" and "metadata" as if they mean the same thing. They are related, but not identical. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right cleanup workflow before sharing files.
This guide breaks everything down in plain language and gives practical steps you can use today.
Quick definition
Metadata
Metadata means "data about data." It is extra information stored in a file that describes where it came from, how it was created, or how it should be handled.
EXIF
EXIF is a specific metadata standard used mostly in image files. It commonly includes camera settings, timestamps, and GPS location.
In short: EXIF is one category inside the bigger metadata umbrella.
Examples by file type
Different file types store different metadata. Here is a practical breakdown:
Images
- EXIF GPS coordinates
- Camera model and lens data
- Capture time and date
Videos
- Location tags (when present)
- Device and app identifiers
- Create/modify timestamps
PDFs
- Author and title fields
- Creator software
- Document history metadata
Why the distinction matters
If you only search for "remove EXIF," you may clean photos but forget videos or documents. Thinking in terms of metadata helps you apply the same privacy habit across every file type.
This is important for teams and creators who publish mixed formats. A campaign might include photo assets, short videos, and downloadable PDFs. If only one file type is cleaned, hidden data can still leak from the others.
Step-by-step cleanup framework
- Identify which formats you are sharing: images, videos, PDFs, or all three.
- Run metadata cleanup on each file type using the right remover tool.
- Download clean copies and label them clearly for publishing workflows.
- Share only cleaned versions in email, social posts, and client portals.
- Repeat cleanup after re-exports, because editing apps can write fresh metadata.
Limits and edge cases
Visible content is separate
Metadata removal does not blur faces, remove signs, or hide anything visible in the file content. It only removes hidden fields.
No single field list fits all files
Metadata differs by device, app, and export path. Use repeatable workflows instead of relying on assumptions about what is or is not embedded.
Put it into practice
Use dedicated remover pages for each format, then keep one final privacy check before you publish or deliver files.
Privacy guarantee: scrub.media processes files on-device. Your files are never uploaded during scrubbing.
Frequently asked questions
Is EXIF the same as metadata?
Not exactly. EXIF is one type of metadata mainly used in image files. Metadata is the broader category.
Do videos and PDFs also have metadata?
Yes. Video files and PDFs can include timestamps, software info, author fields, and other hidden properties.
Why should I remove metadata?
It helps protect privacy and reduces accidental leaks of location, device, or identity details when sharing files.
Does removing metadata change file quality?
No. Metadata removal targets hidden fields and does not alter visible image or video quality.