What it does
Exiv2 provides a cross-platform C++ metadata library and command-line utility for reading and writing image metadata and ICC profiles.
Inspect metadata with print, extract it to EXV/XMP or image/ICC sidecars, then use insert or modify for supported changes. Choose the sidecar directory explicitly. Force permits overwriting destinations during extraction or renaming; keep preserves file timestamps when updating. Readable does not mean writable: the 0.28.9 table lists AVIF, CR3, HEIC, HEIF and JXL as read-only, with BMFF support dependent on the build. Check timezone handling before date-based adjustments or renaming. Exiv2 is GPL2 licensed.
Strengths
- Command-line metadata utility and API
- Several major metadata standards
Watch out for
- Several listed modern formats are read-only, and BMFF support depends on the build.
Best for
- Inspecting image metadata in a repeatable workflow
Sources
- Exiv2 - Image metadata library and tools (Oct 26, 2026)
- Exiv2 extraction/modification, format direction and GPL2 (Oct 26, 2026)