Skip to content

XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform)

Definition

An Adobe-defined metadata format stored as an XML packet embedded in image files. XMP carries a software history field (xmpMM:History) that editing applications append to when they process a file. A populated XMP history block is direct structural evidence of post-capture software processing.

Related terms

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format)
A metadata standard embedded in JPEG and TIFF files by capture devices. EXIF fields record camera make and model, lens data, exposure...
C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)
An open technical standard that embeds cryptographically signed provenance assertions into media files at the point of capture or editing. A C2PA...
Container atom / box
The structural metadata units inside video container formats (MP4, MOV, MKV). Atoms such as mvhd (movie header) carry creation and modification timestamps;...
File signature (magic bytes)
The fixed byte sequence at the start of a file that identifies its format. JPEG files begin with FF D8 FF; PNG...
IPTC IIM
International Press Telecommunications Council Information Interchange Model: a legacy binary metadata standard embedded in JPEG APP13. Carries caption, credit, copyright, and editorial...
JPEG quantisation table
A matrix of 64 values embedded in a JPEG file that controls the precision with which each frequency component of the image...
Makernote
A proprietary EXIF sub-block written by the camera manufacturer to record device-specific data not covered by the EXIF standard. Canon, Nikon, Sony,...
PNG chunk
The basic structural unit of a PNG file. Each chunk has a four-character type code, a length field, a data payload, and...
Thumbnail inconsistency
Many cameras embed a reduced-resolution preview image inside the EXIF header of a JPEG. If the main image has been cropped or...

Explained in these topics

  • EXIF and Container Metadata ForensicsAn Adobe-defined XML metadata format embedded in or sidecar to image and video files. Written primarily by editing software (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere), X...
  • Image File Format and Integrity ChecksAn Adobe-defined metadata format stored as an XML packet embedded in image files. XMP carries a software history field (xmpMM:History) that editing application...

Your journey to becoming a forensic professional starts here.

Practice with mock tests, learn from structured notes, and get your questions answered by a global forensic community, all in one place.