EXIF tag · ExifIFD

ExposureMode

Auto exposure, manual, or auto bracket.

0xa402
Tag ID (41986 decimal)
ExifIFD
IFD / group
int16u
Data type
EXIF
Table

What ExposureMode means#

Auto exposure, manual, or auto bracket.

Defined values#

ValueMeaning
0Auto
1Manual
2Auto bracket

Read, write and remove it#

# read
exiftool -ExposureMode photo.jpg
# write
exiftool -ExposureMode="…" photo.jpg
# remove
exiftool -ExposureMode= photo.jpg
# all files in a folder, as CSV
exiftool -csv -ExposureMode -r ./photos > exposure-mode.csv

In Python with Pillow:

from PIL import Image
exif = Image.open("photo.jpg").getexif()
value = exif.get_ifd(0x8769).get(0xa402)  # ExposureMode
print(value)

Frequently asked questions#

What is the EXIF tag ID of ExposureMode?

0xa402 (41986 decimal), in the ExifIFD directory.

How do I see ExposureMode in a photo?

Run exiftool -ExposureMode photo.jpg, or open the file's info panel in Lightroom, Photoshop, Windows (Properties → Details) or macOS Preview (Tools → Show Inspector).

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources