< RETURN_TO_HOME
[USER_GUIDE]

USER GUIDE

Image Intel is a forensic tool for analyzing image metadata, tracking changes, and investigating image origins. It extracts EXIF data, GPS coordinates, camera information, and more from uploaded images or URLs.

HOW TO USE

METHOD 1: URL ANALYSIS

  1. Paste any image URL (direct link to .jpg, .png, etc.)
  2. Or paste a social media profile URL (Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
  3. Click [ANALYZE]
  4. View comprehensive analysis report
  5. Use [RE-CHECK] to monitor changes over time

METHOD 2: FILE UPLOAD

  1. Click [CHOOSE_FILE] or drag & drop an image
  2. Select any image file (JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF)
  3. Click [ANALYZE]
  4. View detailed metadata extraction

WHAT YOU GET

FILE INFORMATION

  • • File type & format
  • • File size
  • • Image dimensions
  • • Color space & bit depth
  • • Magic bytes (file signature)

EXIF METADATA

  • • Camera make & model
  • • Date & time photo was taken
  • • Camera settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed)
  • • Lens information
  • • Software used

GPS LOCATION DATA

  • • Latitude & longitude coordinates
  • • Altitude
  • • GPS timestamp
  • • Note: Only if present in original image

CRYPTOGRAPHIC HASHES

  • • MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512
  • • Perceptual hash (pHash)
  • • Useful for tracking image duplicates

TEMPORAL ANALYSIS

  • • EXIF capture time
  • • File modification time
  • • HTTP Last-Modified header (URLs)
  • • Reliability scoring for each timestamp

HTTP HEADERS (URLs only)

  • • Server information
  • • CDN detection
  • • Redirect chain tracking
  • • Cache status

CONTENT ANALYSIS

  • • Brightness & contrast metrics
  • • Compression analysis
  • • Recompression detection
  • • Quality estimation

CHANGE DETECTION (URLs)

  • • Monitor images for changes
  • • Hash comparison over time
  • • Change timestamp logging

IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS

SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok automatically strip ALL metadata:

  • - No GPS coordinates
  • - No camera information
  • - No original timestamps
  • - No EXIF data

You'll only get: file size, dimensions, compression info, and HTTP headers.

MOBILE UPLOADS

When uploading from mobile devices (iOS/Android), your operating system may strip GPS data as a privacy protection BEFORE the file reaches this analyzer. For full metadata, transfer images to desktop first.

METADATA RELIABILITY

WARNING: EXIF data can be easily edited or removed. Timestamps and GPS coordinates should not be considered definitive proof. Use this tool for investigation, not legal evidence.

BEST PRACTICES

  • [+] Use original, unedited images for best results
  • [+] Upload from desktop to preserve all metadata
  • [+] Download images directly from source (not screenshots)
  • [+] Use direct image URLs, not webpage URLs
  • [+] Re-check URLs periodically to monitor changes
  • [+] Export reports as JSON for record-keeping
  • [-] Don't upload copyrighted images without permission
  • [-] Don't expect metadata from social media images

PRIVACY & SECURITY

  • • Uploaded images are analyzed server-side and stored temporarily
  • • Analysis reports are stored in database for re-access
  • • GPS coordinates are marked as "sensitive" and hidden by default
  • • Use [SHOW_SENSITIVE] button to reveal location data
  • • No images are shared publicly or with third parties
  • • URL analysis uses SSRF protection to prevent abuse
  • • Rate limiting protects against spam and overuse

SUPPORTED FORMATS

IMAGE FORMATS

  • + JPEG / JPG
  • + PNG
  • + GIF
  • + WebP
  • + BMP
  • + TIFF

MAX FILE SIZE

15 MB per file (configurable by administrator)

RATE LIMITS

10 requests per minute per IP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why do Instagram images show no GPS data?

A: Instagram and other social media platforms strip ALL metadata (GPS, EXIF, timestamps) for privacy and performance. This is intentional and cannot be bypassed.

Q: Can I track if someone changes their profile picture?

A: Yes! Use URL analysis and click [RE-CHECK] periodically. The tool will detect if the image hash changes, indicating the picture was updated.

Q: Why is my mobile upload missing GPS data?

A: iOS and Android strip GPS data when you select images from your photo gallery for privacy. Transfer the file to desktop or use the camera directly.

Q: Is EXIF data reliable as evidence?

A: No. EXIF data can be easily edited with free tools. Use it for investigation leads, not court evidence.

Q: What's the difference between pHash and SHA-256?

A: SHA-256 changes completely if even 1 pixel changes. pHash detects similar/duplicated images even if slightly edited or compressed.

Q: Can I analyze multiple images at once?

A: Currently no. Analyze images one at a time.

[START_ANALYZING]

> Need help? Check the console logs for diagnostic information.

> END OF GUIDE