The article walks readers through getting ExifTool—a powerful command‑line metadata editor—onto Linux Mint 20 or 21, starting with a quick check to see if the tool is already present. It then explains how to install the stable package from Mint’s repository by updating apt and pulling in the perl module, while also offering an alternative path that pulls the newest CPAN release for those who need the latest features. Practical tips cover common headaches such as broken binaries after upgrades, permission issues when editing files, and how to avoid conflicts between multiple installations by inspecting the system PATH. Finally, the guide ends with a simple test command that extracts the original timestamp from an image, giving readers immediate confidence that ExifTool is working correctly on their system.

How to Install ExifTool on Linux Mint 21/20

If you’ve ever had a photo that suddenly lost its GPS tag or you’re digging into the metadata of old video files, ExifTool is the Swiss‑army knife you’ll thank for. In this quick walk‑through you’ll get it up and running on Linux Mint 20 or 21 without wrestling with dependency hell.

Why You Need ExifTool

I’ve seen people complain that their camera’s timestamp is off by a minute after a firmware update, only to discover the real culprit was an incorrect UTC setting stored in the image metadata. ExifTool can read, write, and delete any of those fields—no GUI needed.

Check If It’s Already Installed

Before you start downloading anything, open a terminal and type:

exiftool -ver

If it prints a version number, you’re already good to go. If it says “command not found,” grab your socks and roll up your sleeves.

Installing Via Mint’s Package Manager

The easiest route is through the built‑in repository:

1. Refresh the list –

   sudo apt update

This step ensures you’re pulling the newest package metadata; otherwise you might install a stale version that misses bug fixes.

2. Install the Perl module –

   sudo apt install -y perl libimage-exiftool-perl

libimage-exiftool-perl bundles the binary exiftool and all its dependencies. The -y flag skips the confirmation prompt; if you want to double‑check before proceeding, drop it.

3. Verify –

   exiftool -ver

You should now see something like 12.69. That’s the version number for ExifTool 12.69, which is solid as a rock for most everyday tasks.

The repository version is usually fine for casual use, but if you need features that landed in 13.x or newer, skip to the next section.

Getting the Latest Release from CPAN

If your workflow demands the absolute newest tags, install ExifTool directly from CPAN. This approach pulls in the latest Perl code and rebuilds the binary for your system.

1. Make sure you have CPAN –

   sudo apt install -y cpanminus

cpanminus is a lightweight wrapper that simplifies module installation.

2. Install or upgrade ExifTool –

   sudo cpanm --quiet Image::ExifTool

The --quiet flag keeps the output tidy; you’ll still see any errors if something goes wrong.

3. Check the version –

   exiftool -ver

If the number jumps to 13.x, congratulations—you’ve got the freshest code available.

Why bother with CPAN? Because sometimes the repository lags behind by months, especially after a big Perl update. If you’re a photographer who relies on newer camera models that embed metadata in new ways, staying current can save headaches later.

Common Pitfalls and Quick Fixes

• Broken binary after a system upgrade –

If exiftool suddenly fails with “not found” or crashes, reinstall the package. A fresh install from apt usually wipes away stray files that linger after an OS bump.

• Permission errors when writing metadata –

ExifTool needs write access to the file you’re editing. Make sure you’re not trying to modify a system file or a read‑only filesystem (e.g., a mounted USB stick set to “read‑only”).

• Multiple versions conflicting –

If both the package manager and CPAN installed ExifTool, the one that appears first in your PATH will win. Check with which exiftool. To enforce the CPAN version, add /usr/local/bin before /usr/bin in your ~/.profile.

Use It Right Away

Once you’ve installed it, here’s a quick sanity test:

exiftool -G1 -s -DateTimeOriginal photo.jpg

That command pulls out the original timestamp and tells you which EXIF tag group it came from. If you see the expected value, you’re all set.

Feel free to drop into your shell and start inspecting, editing, or cleaning up metadata. ExifTool’s manual is vast—just type exiftool -h for a quick cheat sheet.

That’s it. You’ve got ExifTool on Mint 20 or 21 and ready to tackle any metadata mystery.