Question 1

How do I clean metadata from PDF files with ExifCleaner?

Accepted Answer

ExifCleaner can process PDFs, but the README notes that PDF metadata is never actually removed due to ExifTool limitations. It's best used for other formats or with caution for PDFs where residual data might remain.

Question 2

ExifCleaner vs exiftool command line: which is better for batch processing?

Accepted Answer

ExifCleaner is ideal for users preferring a GUI with drag-and-drop and privacy controls, while exiftool command line offers more flexibility for scripting and automation. Both use the same backend, but ExifCleaner adds a user-friendly layer.

Question 3

Does ExifCleaner remove all GPS data from photos?

Accepted Answer

For supported formats like JPEG, it removes all APP segments including GPS data. However, for RAW files and some other formats, complete removal isn't guaranteed, so check the file type limitations in the README.

Question 4

Is ExifCleaner safe to use for sensitive documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as it's open-source, local, and has no telemetry, but be aware of format-specific limitations. For highly sensitive data, verify outputs or use additional tools to ensure metadata is fully stripped.

Question 5

How to install ExifCleaner on Ubuntu Linux?

Accepted Answer

Download the .AppImage, .deb, or .rpm file from the releases page. For AppImage, you may need to make it executable manually, as noted in the README, which adds a step compared to native package managers.

Question 6

Can ExifCleaner handle batch processing of thousands of files?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it supports folder recursion and batch processing via ExifTool's stay-open protocol, making it efficient for large volumes. Performance depends on file sizes, but it's optimized for speed as described in the features.

ExifCleaner

What is ExifCleaner?

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