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EXIF Reader

Extract EXIF metadata from images (lightweight JSON output only)

Overview

This node extracts EXIF metadata from images, providing a lightweight JSON output with key details about the image. It supports reading image data either from binary input or by downloading an image from a URL. The extracted metadata includes camera information, lens details, exposure settings, GPS coordinates, timestamps, and optionally image dimensions.

Common scenarios where this node is useful include:

  • Automatically extracting photo metadata for cataloging or organizing images.
  • Enriching image data in workflows with camera and location details.
  • Converting raw EXIF timestamps into standardized ISO 8601 format for consistent date handling.
  • Extracting GPS coordinates embedded in photos for mapping or geotagging purposes.

Practical examples:

  • A photographer automates importing images and wants to log camera model, exposure, and GPS location for each photo.
  • A social media workflow downloads images from URLs and extracts metadata to display alongside posts.
  • An archival system processes uploaded images, extracting timestamps and size info for indexing.

Properties

Name Meaning
Input Source Source of the image to extract EXIF data from. Options: "Binary Data" (read from binary property), "URL" (download image from URL)
Binary Property Name of the binary property containing the image data (used if Input Source is "Binary Data")
Image URL URL of the image to download and extract EXIF data from (used if Input Source is "URL")
Output Property Name of the property where the extracted EXIF data will be stored in the output JSON
Include GPS Data Whether to include GPS coordinates in the output if available (true/false)
Include Image Size Whether to include image dimensions (width and height) in the output (true/false)
Convert Timestamps Whether to convert EXIF timestamps to ISO 8601 format (true/false)

Output

The node outputs a JSON object per input item, adding a property (named as per the "Output Property" setting) containing the extracted EXIF metadata structured as follows:

  • fileInfo: Information about the file including:

    • fileName: Name of the image file (from binary metadata or URL).
    • fileSizeBytes: Size of the image file in bytes.
    • fileSizeFormatted: Human-readable file size (e.g., "2.34 MB").

  • imageSize (optional): Object with width and height properties representing image dimensions.

  • camera: Camera-related metadata such as make, model, and software.

  • lens: Lens-related metadata including make, model, and focalLength (in mm).

  • exposure: Exposure settings including:

    • shutterSpeed (formatted as fraction or seconds),
    • aperture (formatted as f-number),
    • iso,
    • mode (e.g., Auto, Manual),
    • flash status ("Fired" or "Did not fire").

  • gps (optional): GPS coordinates and altitude, including decimal conversions for latitude and longitude.

  • timestamp (optional): Timestamp information with:

    • original: Original timestamp value,
    • iso: ISO 8601 formatted string,
    • formatted: Locale-specific formatted date string.

  • raw: Raw parsed EXIF data object.

If the node encounters errors and "Continue On Fail" is enabled, the output JSON will include an error property describing the issue.

The node does not output binary data.

Dependencies

  • Requires the exif-parser library bundled within the node to parse EXIF metadata.
  • For URL input source, the node performs HTTP GET requests to download images.
  • No external API keys or credentials are required.
  • The node uses n8n helper methods for accessing binary data and making HTTP requests.

Troubleshooting

  • No binary data found in property: Occurs if the specified binary property does not exist or is empty on the input item. Ensure the correct binary property name is set and that the input contains valid binary data.

  • Image URL is required when using URL input source: Happens if the "Input Source" is set to URL but no URL is provided. Provide a valid image URL.

  • Invalid or unsupported image format: If the image data cannot be parsed by the EXIF parser, the node may throw an error. Verify the image is a supported format containing EXIF metadata.

  • Network errors when downloading image: If the URL is unreachable or returns an error, the node will fail. Check network connectivity and URL validity.

  • To handle errors gracefully, enable "Continue On Fail" so the workflow can continue processing other items.

Links and References

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