Frequently Asked Questions

Is my photo really never uploaded?

Correct. The entire EXIF removal pipeline — reading the metadata, stripping it, and re-encoding the file — runs inside your browser using the Web Crypto API, Canvas API, and two open-source libraries (exifr for reading, piexifjs for stripping). You can verify this yourself by opening your browser's Network tab while cleaning a photo: you won't see any upload request.

What metadata does HideMyLens remove?

We remove all EXIF, IPTC, and XMP metadata, including but not limited to:

• GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude)
• Camera make, model, and serial number
• Date and time the photo was taken
• Editing software and device identifiers
• Photographer name, copyright notices, and user comments
• Lens information and exposure settings

What file formats are supported?

JPEG, JPG, PNG, and WebP. Quality is preserved at 95% for JPEGs — the difference is imperceptible.

What's the difference between Free and Pro?

Free accounts can clean one photo at a time. Pro subscribers ($4.99/month) get bulk mode, which lets you drag entire folders of photos and clean them in a single batch. Both tiers get the same zero-logs privacy guarantee.

Do you store anything about what I process?

No. We do not store filenames, file contents, EXIF data, processing timestamps, or any record of your activity. Our database contains only your profile (email, name, Pro status) and anonymous rate-limit counters for guests.

Why do I need an account then?

Accounts exist so Pro subscribers can sign in across devices and so we can process subscription payments. If you don't want an account, you can clean one photo as a guest without signing in.

How does guest rate-limiting work?

Your browser generates a fingerprint (a combination of non-identifying browser characteristics). We hash that fingerprint with SHA-256 before it's sent to us. The server only ever sees the hash, not the raw fingerprint. This lets us enforce the one-free-photo limit without building a profile of anyone.

Can I cancel Pro anytime?

Yes. Billing is handled by LemonSqueezy. You can cancel from your account settings or your LemonSqueezy customer portal. You keep Pro access until the end of your current billing period.

Is HideMyLens open source?

Our EXIF processing relies on open-source libraries (exifr, piexifjs). The surrounding application code is not yet open-sourced, but our client-side processing means anyone can verify our zero-upload claim just by inspecting network traffic.

What happens if you get acquired or shut down?

Because we don't have any photo data, an acquisition or shutdown cannot leak what was never stored. If we were ever acquired, any change in privacy posture would require your explicit consent under GDPR and similar regulations.

Still have questions?

Email support@hidemylens.com and we'll get back to you within one business day.