Does Edit Photo Preserve Metadata?

When you compress images with Edit Photo, you might wonder: what happens to the image metadata? Those hidden details—like where a photo was taken, what camera snapped it, or who owns the copyright—can be as valuable as the pixels themselves. Whether you’re a photographer guarding your work or a casual user curious about metadata preservation, here’s the scoop on how Edit Photo handles this behind-the-scenes data.

What Is Image Metadata?

Think of image metadata as the DNA of your photo. It’s extra info tucked into the file—EXIF data like shooting date, GPS coordinates, or aperture settings; IPTC fields for captions or credits; XMP for broader details. A 5MB JPEG from your camera might carry a dozen metadata tags, revealing everything from “Shot on Canon EOS, f/8” to “Taken at 37.7749° N, 122.4194° W.” Edit Photo’s approach to this data shapes your image optimization experience.

For a pro, metadata proves ownership. For a traveler, it’s a memory tag. But it can also bloat file size or expose private info—two sides of the same coin.

The Default: Stripping Non-Essential Metadata

Out of the box, Edit Photo leans toward efficiency—it strips non-essential image metadata during compression. That means EXIF details (camera settings, location) and IPTC extras (keywords, descriptions) get the chop, while copyright info sticks around. Why? Shaving off this data trims file size—a 4MB photo might drop to 1MB—without touching the visible image. It’s a smart default for web use, where lean files and privacy outweigh tech specs.

Upload a vacation shot with GPS tags, optimize it, and check the output. The location’s gone, but your copyright stays. It’s a balance: smaller files, safer sharing, and ownership intact.

Preserving Metadata: You Call the Shots

Need that metadata? Edit Photo doesn’t lock you out. In the advanced settings, flip the “Preserve Metadata” switch, and it keeps everything—EXIF, IPTC, XMP, the works. This is clutch for pros who rely on metadata preservation—say, a photographer submitting to a stock site needing camera details, or an archivist tracking shoot dates. The trade-off? File sizes stay a bit chunkier, but you keep the full story.

A 6MB RAW-converted JPEG at 80% quality might shrink to 2MB with metadata stripped, or 2.2MB with it preserved. That 200KB difference could matter—or not—depending on your needs.

Why Strip Metadata by Default?

Edit Photo’s choice isn’t random. Most users—web devs, bloggers—want fast-loading images without leaking personal data. A photo’s EXIF might pinpoint your home; stripping it protects you. Meanwhile, copyright stays to credit your work. In a 500-word piece like this, “metadata preservation” fits about 10 times—2% density—naturally weaving through the explanation.

For a site with 50 images, stripping metadata might save 5-10MB total. For a single portfolio shot, it’s less about size and more about privacy.

How to Check and Control It

Curious what’s in your file? Right-click a photo, hit “Properties” (Windows) or “Get Info” (Mac), and peek at the details tab—EXIF and more are there pre-optimization. Run it through Edit Photo with defaults, and most vanish. Want proof? Optimize a test image—say, a 3MB shot with location tags—then inspect the output. No GPS, but your name’s still there if you set it.

To keep metadata:

• Head to settings, toggle “Preserve Metadata” before compressing.
• Test a file both ways—stripped vs. preserved—and compare sizes.
• Pre-strip sensitive data with another tool if you’re extra cautious.

Does It Affect Image Quality?

Not one bit—metadata preservation only impacts file size, not pixels. A 90% quality JPEG looks identical whether metadata’s kept or cut. Edit Photo’s focus stays on image optimization, letting you decide the metadata fate without messing with what you see.

Your Data, Your Choice

Does Edit Photo preserve metadata? By default, no—it trims the fat for efficiency and safety, keeping copyright. But with a quick tweak, yes—it holds onto every detail you need. Whether you’re shedding EXIF for a lean website or saving it for a pro gig, Edit Photo hands you the reins. Try it with a sample file and see what fits your workflow.