Comparison
JPEG vs PNG vs HEIC metadata
Verdict: all three formats can carry metadata, and JPEG/HEIC camera-origin workflows usually deserve the most privacy attention.
Format comparison table
| Format | Common metadata categories | Typical origin workflows | Privacy risk | Recommended step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG | Common EXIF camera fields, timestamps, optional GPS | Phone camera captures, exports, web uploads | Medium-High | Scrub metadata before public sharing |
| PNG | Can include textual and software metadata, varies by app | Screenshots, design exports, graphics workflows | Low-Medium | Scrub final exported copy |
| HEIC | Rich camera-origin metadata common on modern phones | Default iPhone/modern capture paths | Medium-High | Clean metadata before cross-platform sharing |
Last tested: 2026-02-18. Metadata behavior varies by capture app and export tool.
Use-case guidance
When you need broad compatibility
JPEG is common and convenient, but should still be cleaned before public release.
When files come from phone capture
HEIC and JPEG paths can contain detailed camera metadata. Use consistent cleanup as final step.
Methodology and limitations
This page summarizes practical behavior across common workflows. Exact fields vary by software path and device ecosystem.