How to Check AI Image Metadata
- Upload an image: Drag and drop any image file — JPG, PNG, WebP, TIFF, or other formats.
- Analyze AI markers: The tool reads EXIF metadata and looks for AI-generation signatures: Software field, C2PA content credentials, UserComment with prompts, and tool-specific markers.
- Interpret results: Check the Software, Creator, and UserComment fields. AI-generated images from Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and Adobe Firefly typically leave identifiable signatures.
AI Metadata Indicators to Look For
- Software field: reveals the application that created the image (e.g., 'Midjourney', 'DALL·E')
- C2PA Content Credentials: digital provenance standard by Adobe, Google, Microsoft
- UserComment / ImageDescription: may contain the generation prompt
- Missing camera EXIF (no lens, aperture, shutter speed) suggests AI origin
- JFIF markers and ICC profiles specific to AI image generators
- Encoding tool signatures in XMP metadata
- Full EXIF analysis with all fields displayed for manual inspection
FAQ
How can metadata reveal an AI-generated image?
AI tools embed specific signatures in image metadata. Midjourney adds its name to the Software field. DALL-E includes OpenAI markers. Adobe Firefly uses C2PA credentials. The absence of typical camera data (lens, exposure, GPS) is also a strong indicator.
Can someone hide AI metadata?
Yes. Metadata can be stripped using metadata removal tools. Social media platforms also remove EXIF data during upload. That's why metadata analysis works best with original, unmodified files.
What is C2PA?
C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) is an open standard for certifying the origin of digital content. It embeds cryptographically signed credentials into files, making it possible to verify if an image was created by AI or captured by a camera.