What is EXIF Metadata? The Complete Technical Guide

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is the internationally recognized specification (CIPA DC-008-2019 / JEITA CP-3451E) defining metadata structure inside JPEG, TIFF, WebP, and HEIC image files.

Primary Image File Directories (IFDs)

IFD0 (Main Image Metadata): Camera Make, Model, Software version, Orientation, Date/Time modified.
ExifIFD (SubIFD): Shutter speed, Aperture FNumber, ISO speed, Exposure Bias, Metering Mode.
GPSIFD: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Geodetic datum, Speed, Map Datum.