How to View and Strip Metadata On Linux

Metadata is extra information stored inside files—things like the author’s name, creation date, GPS location, or even software details. It’s often invisible but can reveal more about you than you realize. If you care about privacy, or just want to clean up your files before sharing, it’s important to know how to view and remove this data.

On Linux, you have powerful, free tools at your disposal. Here’s how to use them.

What is Metadata?

Metadata is data about data. For example:

• Photos: Camera model, date taken, location.
• Documents: Author, last modified date, editing software.
• Audio files: Artist, album, genre.

Metadata can help organize your files, but it can also leak personal info.

How to View Metadata

1. For Images

Using exiftool:

exiftool is a flexible command-line tool for reading (and editing) metadata in images.

Install it:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libimage-exiftool-perl

Check metadata:

exiftool myphoto.jpg

You’ll see a list of tags—like camera model, date, and maybe GPS data.

2. For Documents (PDF, DOCX, etc.)

Using exiftool:

It works on many file types, not just images:

exiftool mydocument.pdf

For Office Files:

• libreoffice has a built-in “Properties” view, but for command-line inspection, exiftool is simplest.

How to Strip Metadata

1. Remove Metadata from Images

With exiftool:

Wipe all metadata (and back up the original):

exiftool -all= myphoto.jpg

This creates a new, clean file (myphoto.jpg_original is your backup).

If you want to overwrite the original:

exiftool -all= -overwrite_original myphoto.jpg

2. Remove Metadata from PDFs

Again, with exiftool:

exiftool -all= mydocument.pdf

3. Remove Metadata from Office Files (DOCX, ODT, etc.)

• For LibreOffice/OpenOffice files:
  • Open the document.
  • Go to File > Properties.
  • Click Reset Properties and save.
• For Microsoft Office files:
  • exiftool can remove some metadata:
  exiftool -all= mydoc.docx
  • Or, open the file in Office, go to Info > Inspect Document > Remove Properties and Personal Information, then save.

Quick Tips

• Batch process: Remove metadata from all images in a folder:
  exiftool -all= *.jpg
• Check before sharing: Always check sensitive files before uploading or emailing.
• No install? Use online tools only if you trust the site—never for private files.

Final Thoughts

Metadata can be useful—but it can also expose you. With tools like exiftool, Linux makes it easy to see and strip this hidden data. Make a habit of cleaning your files before sharing. It only takes a minute and can protect your privacy.

Have questions or tips? Leave a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!