An Android camera that prints metadata (time, location, etc.) onto the image itself at capture
At capture (a burned-in stamp), not just saved in EXIF. Below I list the best options, quick setup steps, pros/cons, and privacy notes so you can pick the right approach.
Best Android apps
that burn time + location onto photos
Timestamp Camera
(Timestamp / Timestamp Camera:
Date Time Location)
Real-time timestamp & GPS watermark for photos and videos; many timestamp formats, font/position options, can show address or GPS coordinates. Good for fieldwork, inspections.
PhotoStamp / PhotoStamp Camera
Straightforward app to add Time, GPS location, logo or signature stamps on pictures and videos; simple UI for date/time+GPS overlays.
Open Camera (free, open source)
Supports an overlay timestamp for photos and videos and can include location name / GPS in the overlay (and has many camera controls). Great if you prefer an open solution with a robust camera feature set.
Built-in OEM Camera
(Samsung, some Android skins)
Many manufacturer camera apps offer a built-in Watermark or Date & time feature you can enable (no third app required). Check your Camera settings (Settings → Watermark / Timestamp). Works well for casual use.
Quick setup —
how to get a burned-in time & location
(Example: Timestamp Camera)
- Install Timestamp Camera from Google Play
- Open app → grant Camera & Location permissions.
- In app settings choose: timestamp format, enable “Add location” (address or GPS), choose font, size and position.
- Take photo — the timestamp + location is burned directly into the image.
(Example: Open Camera)
- Install Open Camera. Open → Settings → More camera controls / Video / Photo overlays.
- Enable Stamp photos or On-screen stamp and pick what to include (date, time, GPS address).
- Take photos — overlay will be on the saved jpeg.
(Example: Samsung built-in)
- Open Camera → Settings → Watermark → enable Date & time (or custom watermark). Photos taken will include it.
Pros & cons — burned-in overlay vs EXIF
Burned-in overlay (what you want)
- Pros: visible on the image (proof without needing EXIF reader); great for documentation/inspections.
- Cons: irreversible (unless you keep original), may block important image details, style is fixed by app.
EXIF / embedded metadata (not burned in)
- Pros: contains precise GPS + timestamp without altering image pixels; reversible and invisible; preferred for mapping & cataloging.
- Cons: recipients might strip EXIF; less obvious for quick evidence.
Privacy & legal notes
- Burned-in location/time is embedded in the image pixels — anyone who sees the photo will see it. If privacy is a concern (home address, faces), avoid including address or disable GPS in overlays.
- If you need both proof and privacy: take two copies — one with burned-in stamp for evidence and one original with GPS saved in EXIF but not shown. (Apps like Timestamp Camera and Open Camera can do burned-in; the original EXIF may or may not be preserved depending on app settings.)
Tips and configuration suggestions
- Use a corner position for the stamp to avoid covering key parts of the photo.
- If you need a custom format (e.g., ISO timestamp, milliseconds, or a signature/logo), many timestamp apps let you customize format/font/logo.
- For inspections or legal evidence, enable GPS address + coordinates so you have both readable place and exact location.
- If you want to batch-stamp existing photos, look for apps that can stamp existing images (many do).
Quick recommendation based on use case
- Field inspections, evidence, construction sites: Timestamp Camera or PhotoStamp Camera (feature rich, easy)
- Power users who want open source + camera controls: Open Camera (free, robust)
- Casual use / one-off: check your phone’s camera settings for a built-in watermark/timestamp first
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