Is this an image tampering checker?

Yes. It is a browser-based tampering checker that highlights compression differences as a heatmap.

Do you upload my image?

No. The analysis runs locally in your browser and your image is not uploaded to a server.

Can I use this as an ELA alternative?

Yes. The tool compares the original image with a JPEG re-encode and visualizes differences, which is useful for quick forensic screening.

Is this proof of manipulation?

No. The heatmap is an indicator tool for compression artifacts and anomalies, but not court-admissible proof of manipulation.

Why do unedited images still show hotspots?

Hotspots can appear even without edits, for example due to camera processing, noise reduction, sharpening, HDR, messenger recompression, or export pipelines.

Which formats and quality settings work best?

High-resolution original files (especially JPEG) with minimal prior compression work best. Compare multiple JPEG quality levels for a more robust interpretation.

Tamper Heatmap

Create a compression-difference preview: we re-encode your image as JPEG and visualize pixel differences as a heatmap. Everything runs locally in your browser.

Important interpretation note

The heatmap highlights compression artifacts and anomalies.
It is not court-admissible proof of manipulation.
Camera processing or export pipelines can also create similar patterns.

Sign up to use this tool

Free account required. Includes 3 free scans every 30 days. No credit card required.

Image Tampering Checker (Online)

Looking for an online way to check edited photos? This tool helps with quick image forensics by highlighting compression anomalies. It is useful as a fast pre-check before deeper manual verification.

Best Practice

Compare multiple JPEG quality levels (e.g., 75, 82, 90) instead of evaluating only one setting.
Combine the heatmap with the EXIF Viewer to interpret camera, software, and export clues.
Add Reverse Image Search to find earlier versions or re-uploads.
For methodology and common misinterpretations, see Image Forensics for Journalists, EXIF Viewer Online Guide, and Reverse Image Search Guide.

Browser-first

No server upload. Processing stays local in your browser.

Difference analysis

Compares original vs. JPEG re-encode and highlights unusual compression changes.

Direct export

Download the heatmap as PNG for documentation.

Tamper Heatmap Guide: How to Spot Suspicious Image Edits

Learn how tamper heatmaps work, how to tune settings, and how to avoid false positives.

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