Image creator/photographer name. ExifTool trims trailing whitespace.
When MWG module is loaded, this becomes a list-type tag synchronized with XMP-dc:Creator and IPTC:By-line.
Color space of image data. EXIF mandatory tag.
Standard values: 1 (sRGB), 0xFFFF (Uncalibrated).
Non-standard values: 2 (Adobe RGB, some cameras), 0xFFFD (Wide Gamut RGB, Sony), 0xFFFE (ICC Profile, Sony).
Adobe RGB is typically indicated by 'Uncalibrated' with InteropIndex='R03'.
Copyright notice for the image. MWG composite tag that reconciles EXIF:Copyright, IPTC:CopyrightNotice, and XMP-dc:Rights.
Writing updates all three locations to maintain MWG synchronization.
When an image was digitized (captured by camera sensor). MWG composite tag that reconciles EXIF:CreateDate, IPTC digital creation fields, and XMP-xmp:CreateDate.
Distinct from DateTimeOriginal (when photo was taken) - useful for scanned images.
For MOV/MP4 videos, use CreateDate instead of DateTimeOriginal.
When a photo was taken (shutter actuation time). MWG composite tag that reconciles EXIF:DateTimeOriginal, IPTC date/time created, and XMP-photoshop DateTimeOriginal.
This is the most commonly used timestamp for photos. Different from CreateDate (digitization) and ModifyDate (file modification).
EXIF specification version (e.g., '0232' for EXIF 2.32). EXIF mandatory tag.
Stored as 4-byte ASCII without separators. ExifTool accepts '2.32' format when writing.
Some files incorrectly include null terminators which ExifTool removes.
Exposure bias/compensation in EV units (e.g., -0.67, +1.0). Also called ExposureBiasValue in EXIF spec.
Signed value indicating deviation from metered exposure.
Shutter speed in seconds (e.g., '1/250'). Primary source for ShutterSpeed composite.
To write shutter speed, use this tag directly. BulbDuration takes priority in ShutterSpeed composite if present and > 0.
Flash status and mode as bitfield. Common values:
0x00 (No Flash), 0x01 (Fired), 0x05 (Fired, Return not detected), 0x07 (Fired, Return detected),
0x10 (Off, Did not fire), 0x18 (Auto, Did not fire), 0x19 (Auto, Fired),
0x41 (Fired, Red-eye reduction), 0x59 (Auto, Fired, Red-eye reduction).
Bit 0: fired, Bit 1-2: return detection, Bit 3-4: mode, Bit 5: function present, Bit 6: red-eye mode.
Lens aperture as f-number (e.g., 2.8, 5.6). Primary source for Aperture composite.
To write aperture, use this tag - it's more intuitive than ApertureValue (which uses APEX units).
Lens focal length in millimeters. Actual focal length, not 35mm equivalent.
For 35mm equivalent, see FocalLengthIn35mmFormat or FocalLength35efl composite.
GPS altitude in meters. Always stored as positive value; sign determined by GPSAltitudeRef.
Composite GPSAltitude combines this with Ref to return signed value with 'Above/Below Sea Level' text.
GPS latitude stored as three rationals (degrees, minutes, seconds). Always positive; hemisphere from GPSLatitudeRef.
ExifTool accepts decimal degrees, DMS, or mixed formats when writing. Composite GPSLatitude returns signed decimal.
GPS latitude hemisphere.
Valid values: 'N' (North), 'S' (South). When writing, ExifTool accepts signed numbers or direction strings.
OptionalGPSLongitude
GPSLongitude?:string|number
Frequency
🔥 ☆☆☆☆ (4%)
Groups
APP, Composite, EXIF, XMP
Example
2.2918888
Remarks
GPS longitude stored as three rationals (degrees, minutes, seconds). Always positive; hemisphere from GPSLongitudeRef.
ExifTool accepts decimal degrees, DMS, or mixed formats when writing. Composite GPSLongitude returns signed decimal.
GPS speed of camera movement during capture. Units determined by GPSSpeedRef (K=km/h, M=mph, N=knots).
Must be paired with GPSSpeedRef for meaningful interpretation.
Unique identifier for the image, typically a 32-character hex string.
Useful for image deduplication, tracking identity across edits, and linking related files (e.g., RAW + JPEG pairs).
May also appear in MakerNotes and XMP.
Camera ISO sensitivity rating. In EXIF, this is an array (int16u[n]) that can contain multiple values.
Historically called ISOSpeedRatings in EXIF 2.2, renamed to PhotographicSensitivity in EXIF 2.3.
When the file was last modified by a user (not automatic processes). MWG composite tag that reconciles EXIF:ModifyDate and XMP-xmp:ModifyDate.
Should reflect intentional user edits, not automatic metadata updates. Different from file system modification time.
Timezone offset for ModifyDate (e.g., '+05:30', '-08:00', 'Z'). EXIF 2.31+ tag.
Used by SubSecModifyDate composite to produce timezone-aware timestamps.
Writing SubSecModifyDate automatically updates this field.
Timezone offset for CreateDate (e.g., '+05:30', '-08:00', 'Z'). EXIF 2.31+ tag.
Used by SubSecCreateDate composite to produce timezone-aware timestamps.
Writing SubSecCreateDate automatically updates this field.
Timezone offset for DateTimeOriginal (e.g., '+05:30', '-08:00', 'Z'). EXIF 2.31+ tag.
Used by SubSecDateTimeOriginal composite to produce timezone-aware timestamps.
Writing SubSecDateTimeOriginal automatically updates this field.
"(Binary data 37244 bytes, use -b option to extract)"
Remarks
Embedded preview image data extracted from the file.
CRITICAL: Writable for updating existing embedded images, but cannot create or delete previews.
Can only modify previews that already exist in the file.
"(Binary data 7155 bytes, use -b option to extract)"
OptionalRating
Rating?:number
Frequency
🔥 ★★☆☆ (10%)
Groups
Composite, EXIF, MakerNotes, XMP
Example
5
Remarks
Star rating for the image. MWG composite tag from XMP-xmp:Rating.
Valid values: -1 (rejected), 0 (unrated), 1-5 (star rating)
Note: Rating may appear in EXIF but that's non-standard per MWG. Only XMP writes are supported.
White balance mode. Standard EXIF values: 0 (Auto), 1 (Manual).
MakerNotes often contain more detailed WhiteBalance with values like Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, etc.
EXIF:WhiteBalance has lower priority than MakerNotes version when both exist.
See
https://exiftool.org/TagNames/EXIF.html