Frequently Asked Questions

Is my file really never uploaded?

Correct. The entire metadata removal pipeline — reading the metadata, stripping it, and re-encoding the file — runs inside your browser. We use exifr + piexifjs (photos), pdf-lib (PDF), jszip (Office docs), and a custom parser (video). You can verify this yourself by opening your browser's Network tab while cleaning a file: you won't see any upload request.

What metadata does HideMyLens remove?

We remove all hidden metadata across formats, including but not limited to:

• GPS coordinates (photos and videos)
• Camera make, model, and serial number
• Date and time the file was created or last edited
• Editing software and application identifiers
• Author, photographer name, copyright notices, comments
• Document edit history (Office files)
• Custom properties and tags

What file formats are supported?

Photos: JPEG, JPG, PNG, HEIC, WebP. Documents: PDF. Office files: DOCX, XLSX, PPTX. Videos: MP4, MOV, M4V. Quality is preserved — only metadata is removed.

What's the difference between Free and Pro?

Free accounts get 3 files per day across any format. Pro subscribers ($4.99/month) get unlimited file processing plus bulk mode — drag entire folders of files 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.