Remove photo metadata on Mac

Inspect the photo in Photos

Select an image in Photos and open Info. Apple documents camera and lens information, capture settings, date, location, and other details in that panel. Use it as a first inspection, not a complete list of every embedded tag.

Sources: Apple: View photo information on Mac

Choose the right kind of export

Photos distinguishes exporting a rendered photo from exporting the unmodified original. An original export is designed to preserve the original file. It should not be treated as a clean copy.

The export interface also provides information options, and original export can produce an IPTC-as-XMP sidecar. A sidecar is a separate metadata file that can travel with the image. Review both the picture and any accompanying files before sharing.

Sources: Apple: Export photos and videos on Mac

Make a clean copy

The photo is rebuilt from its displayed pixels. Source EXIF, XMP, IPTC, comments, previews, and color-profile blocks are not copied. Orientation is applied before export.

HEIC and camera RAW formats need a compatible export first. For an image you need to keep in its original color space or archival format, preserve your original separately.

1. Export or locate a JPG, PNG, or WebP still image.
2. Drop it into this tool and select Remove metadata.
3. Download the PNG and review its orientation, color, and dimensions.

Why Finder still shows a date

Finder can display file-system creation and modification dates for the newly saved file. Those dates are distinct from the original EXIF capture time. A file also needs technical structure such as dimensions and pixel encoding to remain readable.

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