Whatsapp Date Parsing from File Names

Problem

When downloading files from WhatsApp and saving them to local storage, the files lack EXIF data.

Solution

WhatsApp photos are stored with sent date information in their filenames. This script parses that data and saves it as new EXIF data in the image files.

Features

• Parses WhatsApp filename date information
• Saves parsed date as EXIF data in image files
• Supports both images and videos
• Offers recursive folder scanning
• Provides overwrite option for existing files

Screenshot

Prerequisites

• Python 3.x installed on your system
• Required Python dependencies (list them here or include a requirements.txt file)

Arguments

Argument	Required	Description
--input_path	Yes	Path to the folder containing WhatsApp media files
--output_path	Yes	Path to save the processed media files
--overwrite	No	Overwrite existing files in the output path if present
--recursive	No	Scan input folder recursively for media files

Basic syntax:

python main.py --input_path INPUT_PATH --output_path OUTPUT_PATH [OPTIONS]

Examples

Basic usage:

python main.py --input_path /path/to/whatsapp/folder --output_path /path/to/output/folder

With overwrite and recursive options:

python main.py --input_path /path/to/whatsapp/folder --output_path /path/to/output/folder --overwrite --recursive

Notes

• Ensure you have necessary permissions to read from the input path and write to the output path.
• The script will maintain the original file structure when using the recursive option.
• Existing EXIF data in the files will be preserved, with the parsed date information added or updated.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

License

MIT