File Format Wiki

EXIF format rules

Image metadata format for camera, location, and device information.

Format rules

  • May contain GPS data
  • Often stripped by social platforms
  • Orientation affects rendering

Valid example

Strip GPS before publishing personal photos.

Invalid example

Publishing raw images without metadata review

Common errors

  • Assuming EXIF accepts syntax from a similar format
  • Using the wrong encoding or line ending
  • Copying invisible characters from rich text
  • Testing only the happy path and not parser errors

Online validation and conversion

Compared with nearby formats

EXIF should be chosen for the parser and ecosystem that will consume it. Prefer strict formats for APIs, human-friendly formats for ops config, and signed formats only when verification is required.