Python: how to remove EXIF data from images

Python: how to remove EXIF data from images

This article shows you how to use Python to remove EXIF data from images.

Deleting EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data from images is an important step to protect your privacy before sharing photos online. EXIF data can contain a wide range of information, such as the date and time the photo was taken, the type of camera used, and in some cases, even the precise geographic location. This article shows you how to use Python to remove EXIF data from images.

First step, install Pillow using pip:


pip install Pillow

Once the library is installed, you can use the following Python script to remove EXIF data from an image:


from PIL import Image

def remove_exif(image_path, output_path):
     # Upload image
     image = Image.open(image_path)
    
     # Remove metadata by converting the image to one without EXIF data
     data = list(image.getdata())
     image_no_exif = Image.new(image.mode, image.size)
     image_no_exif.putdata(data)
    
     # Save the new image without the EXIF data
     image_no_exif.save(output_path)

Conclusion

Removing EXIF data from images before sharing them online is an important practice for maintaining your privacy. With a few lines of Python code and the help of the Pillow library, you can automate this process effectively and efficiently.

It is recommended to test the script with several images to ensure that it works as expected, as some image formats or specific configurations may require adjustments to the code.

This method is effective for basic EXIF data removal needs. However, if you work with a wide range of image formats or need more advanced features, you may need more complex solutions or the use of other libraries dedicated to managing image metadata.