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Mac software

Mac software

Resolving riddles and restrictions with what you want to run on your Mac

Some dates are stored in Exif data, on the left. Beware of problems from changing file dates as shown on the right.

Dangers changing datestamps

Q I want to sync the dates and times of my images. Is there an Exif editor to change those for when the file was last opened and modified? by TREVOR HARRISON

A Images can store two independent records of their date and time: Exif information saved in the image file data are normally used to record the moment of creation, for a photo when it was taken. As with all other files, there are also datestamps recorded by the file system for the time the file was created, modified and accessed, stored in that file’s attributes, rather than as Exif data.

Most photographers like to preserve the Exif creation datestamp as the most accurate record of when that image was taken, and changing that could be used to imply the image has been altered or even generated by AI. Most good image editors provide access to Exif data, including GraphicConverter from the App Store. By using a reputable major app you reduce the risk that changing Exif data could corrupt the image itself.

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MacFormat
Autumn 2026
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