# Remove EXIF data from images

> Learn how to remove EXIF data like location from images on a Mac, using the ImageOptim app or the exiv2 command line tool with exiv2 rm to strip the metadata.

Author: [Flavio Copes](https://flaviocopes.com/about/) | Published: 2021-11-02 | Topics: [Tools](https://flaviocopes.com/tags/tools/) | Canonical: https://flaviocopes.com/remove-exif-images/

Before posting an image on the Internet I had the need to remove the EXIF data which might contain location and other information which should not be shared, because it was a photo made with an iPhone

> Tip: if you already know you want to remove location from a photo, in the share panel click `Options` before selecting "AirDrop" and you have the option to disable sending the location data, and other metadata.

I found out a simple way to do so with a Mac.

The simplest way is to use [ImageOptim](https://imageoptim.com/mac). Just add the image in there, it will remove all the EXIF data.

Otherwise if you prefer the command line, or you want a tool that integrates with your scripts, install `exiv2`:

```sh
brew install exiv2
```

Then use `exiv2 pr` to list the EXIF data of an image:

```sh
exiv2 pr <filename>
```

And use `exiv2 rm` to remove the EXIF data:

```sh
exiv2 rm <filename>
```

If you don't want to install anything, I made an [EXIF viewer and stripper](https://flaviocopes.com/tools/exif-viewer/) that runs entirely in the browser — the image never leaves your computer.