---
id: exif
version: "1.6.1"
license: unclear
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: dormant
---

# exif — Read and modify image EXIF metadata using Python.

License: permissive · Maintenance: dormant · Downloads: 111.2K/mo

## What it is and what it does

exif is a pure-Python library for reading and modifying EXIF metadata embedded in image files. It provides a simple object-oriented interface: load an image file, access EXIF tags as Python attributes (e.g., `image.gps_latitude`, `image.model`), modify or delete them, and write the updated image back to disk. The package handles the binary EXIF format internally, so you work with high-level Python objects rather than raw bytes.

The library supports a wide range of EXIF tags including camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), GPS coordinates, timestamps, and device information. It requires only plum-py as a runtime dependency and runs on Python 3.7+. The maintainer developed it as a hobby project and now has limited bandwidth, though the package is marked Production/Stable and accepts community contributions.

Use it for:

- Batch remove GPS coordinates from photos before sharing them online for privacy.
- Extract camera model, lens, and shooting parameters from a folder of images for analysis.
- Modify image timestamps or device metadata in bulk using a Python script.
- Read GPS location data from photos to build a map of where images were taken.
- Strip or update EXIF tags in automated image processing pipelines.

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Read, modify, and write EXIF metadata in image files using pure Python, without external software dependencies.

Yes, if you need straightforward EXIF read/write without external dependencies. The package is stable, low-friction to install, and has no known vulnerabilities. The dormant maintenance status is a minor concern for long-term support, but the code is mature and the maintainer welcomes contributions. Not suitable if you need active development or guarantees of rapid bug fixes.

## Install

pip install exif
uv add exif
poetry add exif

## Installing exif

Before you install: Low friction: pure Python wheel with a single runtime dependency (plum-py). Last release was 612 days ago; the maintainer notes reduced bandwidth since 2018 but accepts contributions. Status is dormant rather than abandoned.

License in practice: MIT license (permissive); you can use, modify, and distribute this package with minimal restrictions.

Quickstart:

from exif import Image

with open('photo.jpg', 'rb') as f:
    img = Image(f)
    print(img.has_exif)
    print(img.gps_latitude)
    img.make = 'Modified'

with open('output.jpg', 'wb') as f:
    f.write(img.get_file())

Requires Python 3.7 or later; image file must be opened in binary mode ('rb' or 'wb').

Verify before relying:

- Whether plum-py introduces any significant runtime overhead or compatibility concerns.
- Current state of bug fixes and whether dormant status affects reliability for production use.
- Performance characteristics when processing large batches or high-resolution images.

## Package facts

- License: not declared (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: dormant
- Downloads: 111.2K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

read exif metadata python, modify image exif tags, batch process image metadata, exif editor library, image metadata manipulation, gps coordinates from photos, strip exif from images, image-metadata, exif-tags, photo-processing

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/exif) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/exif/)