Can all EXIF metadata be copied from one image file to another?
Asked 12/13/2016
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2 answers
0
I use Photoshop and Exif Pilot, and I know how to export/import XMP metadata. However, I’ve been told that not all EXIF data can be copied from one image to another. Is that true? I’m especially trying to understand the difference between EXIF, IPTC, XMP, and whether tools like Photoshop preserve everything, including camera maker notes, when metadata is copied or when files are exported.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
27
I suggest using the excellent exiftool by Phil Harvey:
exiftool -TagsFromFile fromImage.jpg toImage.jpg
See also questions 8 and 9 at the Exiftool FAQ if you're copying tags between certain RAW image formats (shouldn't be a problem if you're copying between JPEG images).
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—metadata can be copied, but whether all EXIF is preserved depends on the tool and file types.
EXIF, IPTC, and XMP are different metadata groups. A tool may copy some or all of them. In practice, Adobe apps often do not preserve every EXIF field, especially the camera-specific MakerNotes section. So if you copy/export metadata with Photoshop or convert/export files through Adobe software, you may get most visible metadata but not the full original camera-written EXIF.
If your goal is to copy metadata as completely as possible, use a dedicated metadata tool such as ExifTool. A common command is:
exiftool -TagsFromFile fromImage.jpg toImage.jpg
That said, results can still vary by format, and copying between some RAW formats may need extra care. Between JPEGs, it is usually straightforward.
So the short answer is: complete copying is possible with the right tool, but not all software copies the full original EXIF block.
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