The problem with server-based photo tools

When you upload a photo to a typical web tool, the image travels to a server, gets processed there, and the server may keep a copy afterwards. That means your photos — and the EXIF metadata inside them, which can include GPS coordinates and camera details — are exposed to a third party you can't control.

How local (browser-based) processing works

Photo Timestamper is built as a single-page app. When you choose a file, it is read into the browser's memory and drawn onto a Canvas. The date is extracted from EXIF using a library that runs on your device, the timestamp is drawn, and the result is re-encoded — all inside the browser. Nothing is sent over the network. If you disconnect the internet after the page loads, the tool keeps working.

What this means for you

• Your photos never leave your device. Not stored, not analyzed, not sold.
• Sensitive content is safe. You can stamp contracts, documents, or private photos without worry.
• No account needed. There's nothing to sign up for, because there's nothing to save on a server.
• Works offline. As a Progressive Web App, it can be installed and used with no connection.

A note on analytics and transparency

To understand which pages people use so we can improve the tool, we use a privacy-respecting analytics service that measures page views. This never involves your images — photo files and their EXIF data are processed exclusively on your device and are never transmitted.

How to check a tool's privacy before using it

1. Does processing happen in the browser, or is there a backend upload?
2. What does the privacy policy say about image storage and deletion?
3. Is the app usable offline or without creating an account?
4. Does the company have a clear statement that images aren't used for training or ads?