Metadata

All metadata options are located in the Modify Tab.

Encoder vs Exiftool Modes

These options are recommended for most users. They are faster and less likely to cause issues.

Encoder metadata modes use encoder arguments. For example --ignore-exif for avifenc. This is quick and safe for the image visually.

ExifTool will handle your metadata more thoroughly, but the conversion will take longer, and the color profile may be affected.

Modes

Encoder - Wipe

Wipes metadata. Works well for encoding almost everything. It’s less effective when output is PNG (depends on decoder used / input format).

Encoder - Preserve

Preserves metadata. Works well on common input formats, may not work for less popular ones. This is unavailable while encoding JPEG with JPEGLI.

ExifTool - Wipe

Deletes all metadata except orientation, and color profile.

ExifTool - Preserve

Copies all metadata.

ExifTool - Unsafe Wipe

Deletes every last bit of metadata, including color profile. This may alter how the image is displayed.

ExifTool - Custom

Allows you to specify custom behavior (in the settings).

Common Pitfalls

Metadata is not getting preserved when converting to JPEG XL.

JPEG XL metadata is compressed with Brotli which many programs cannot read.

Use ExifTool to read metadata from JPEG XL images.

If metadata is still not preserved, set the Metadata mode to ExifTool - Preserve.

Rotation / Orientation of a converted image is wrong.

Pick a metadata mode that preserves rotation, those are: ExifTool - Wipe, ExifTool - Preserve, Encoder - Preserve.

Metadata is not getting preserved when converting from TIFF.

Set metadata mode to ExifTool - Preserve.

Notes

Preserving metadata is challenging because image formats are rarely 100% compatible with one another.

If your metadata holds significant value, consider using ExifTool directly to export it to text files.