Overview
This node allows users to manipulate EXIF metadata in image files. Specifically, the Delete operation removes all EXIF data from an image file, with an option to retain certain specified tags. This is useful for privacy reasons (removing location or author info), reducing file size, or preparing images for environments where metadata should be stripped.
Common scenarios include:
- Removing all metadata except color profiles (e.g., ICC_Profile) before publishing images online.
- Cleaning sensitive information while keeping essential tags.
- Batch processing images to standardize metadata removal.
Example: You have a set of JPEG photos containing GPS coordinates and camera details. Using this node’s Delete operation, you can remove all EXIF data but keep the ICC_Profile tag to preserve color management.
Properties
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Property Name | Name of the binary property containing the image data (default: "data"). |
| Output Property Name | Name of the JSON property where the EXIF deletion result will be stored (default: "exifData"). |
| List of Tags to Keep | Comma-separated list of EXIF tags to retain during deletion (e.g., Keywords, Subject, Author, ICC_Profile). If empty, all tags are deleted. |
| Options | Collection of options: • Read Raw: Return raw, unstandardized EXIF data (boolean). • Parse Input Fields: Parse input fields like "Keywords" as comma-separated lists (boolean). |
Additional notices inform users that:
- The Delete operation removes all EXIF data unless specific tags are kept.
- Specific tags can also be deleted by writing empty values using the Write operation.
Output
The node outputs a JSON object under the specified output property name (default "exifData"), which contains the result of the delete operation. This typically includes confirmation or details about the deletion performed by the underlying EXIF tool.
If the node processes binary data, it updates the original binary property with the modified image file (with EXIF data removed except for any retained tags).
Dependencies
- Uses the
exiftool-vendoredlibrary to read, write, delete, and repair EXIF metadata. - Requires access to the n8n storage path for temporary file operations.
- Supports common image formats including jpg, png, heic, heif, tiff, gif, bmp, webp, jpeg.
- No external API keys or services are required, but the node depends on local filesystem permissions and availability of the storage directory.
Troubleshooting
- Storage Path Missing: If the node cannot find or create the storage path, it throws an error suggesting manual creation of the directory.
- Unsupported File Extension: Files with unsupported extensions will cause an error; ensure input files are one of the supported types.
- No File Data Provided: If the binary property does not contain data, the node will error out.
- Temporary File Conflicts: If temporary files exist from previous runs, the node attempts cleanup but may log warnings if conflicts occur.
- No Tags Provided for Write Operation: When using Write (not Delete), providing no metadata values causes an error.
- Custom Command Limitations: Custom commands that attempt to write are not supported; users should use the Write operation instead.
To resolve errors:
- Verify the input binary property contains valid image data.
- Confirm the file extension is supported.
- Ensure the n8n instance has write permissions to its storage path.
- For custom commands, avoid write operations until supported.
Links and References
- ExifTool Tag Names — Comprehensive list of EXIF tags usable with this node.
- exiftool-vendored npm package — Underlying library used for EXIF manipulation.