> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vector-privacy.gitbook.io/vector-privacy/vector-messenger/features/images-and-media.md).

# Images & Media

Vector Messenger supports uploading a wide range of image, video, and file formats. All downloaded media can be found in the `vector` folder within your device's Downloads directory. Images and files can be shared by dragging and dropping them directly into the chat, or by clicking the Upload Files icon to the left of the message input at the bottom of the app.

***

## Metadata

{% hint style="success" icon="eye-slash" %}
EXIF and location data stripped from photos by default, opt-in toggle to keep original metadata.
{% endhint %}

Vector includes built-in features to maintain privacy by default, including protection against accidental metadata leaks. Photos often carry hidden metadata such as the device that captured them, camera settings, timestamps, and precise GPS coordinates of where they were taken. This information travels with the file and can reveal far more than the image itself.

By default, Vector strips EXIF and location data from every photo before it is sent, so this information never leaves your device. As always, users retain full control and can opt out of this behavior in their settings if they need the original metadata preserved.

***

## ThumbHash

Vector Messenger previously used [BlurHash](https://github.com/woltapp/blurhash), which is a compact representation of a placeholder for an image that saves the user time and disk space. As of `v0.3.1` Vector switched to [ThumbHash](https://github.com/VectorPrivacy/fast-thumbhash), which is an improved and optimized version of perceptual image hashing or image placeholders.

> Vector uses **fast-thumbhash**, a custom open-source Rust crate developed by [Formless Labs](https://x.com/FormlessLabs), to generate compact image placeholder hashes for media shared in chats. Based on the ThumbHash algorithm, it converts images into a tiny \~26 character string that decodes client-side into a smooth, color-accurate blurred preview. So, images feel instant to load rather than popping in from nothing. The implementation is a 12x performance improvement over the standard `thumbhash` crate, achieved through separable 2D DCT transforms, Chebyshev cosine recurrence, and fully stack-allocated buffers with zero heap allocation in the hot path. It also uses base91 encoding, which is more efficient than the base83 used by BlurHash. Thumbhash produces smaller strings while carrying more information, including alpha channel support and embedded aspect ratio. The crate is MIT licensed and available at [GitHub](https://github.com/VectorPrivacy/fast-thumbhash).

<figure><img src="/files/rZVARrDCxJwVNkmWCqnc" alt="" width="288"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Supported Media

Vector Messenger currently supports the most common filetypes for pictures, videos, and audio. With future releases, Vector will be adding support for new filetypes to improve the overall user experience. The complete list of supported media types is listed below in the dropdown menu.&#x20;

<details>

<summary><i class="fa-image">:image:</i>  Supported Media Types</summary>

* `.png` → Portable Network Graphics (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.jpg` → Joint Photographic Experts Group (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.gif` → Graphics Interchange Format (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)
* `.svg` → Scalable Vector Graphics (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.tiff` → Tagged Image File Format (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.bmp` → Bitmap (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.ico` → Icon  for Windows Icon format (<mark style="color:yellow;">image</mark>)&#x20;
* `.mov` → QuickTime Movie (<mark style="color:blue;">video</mark>)&#x20;
* `.mp3` → MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer III (<mark style="color:purple;">audio</mark>)&#x20;
* `.mp4` → MPEG-4 Part 14 (<mark style="color:blue;">video</mark>, <mark style="color:purple;">audio</mark>, subtitles, etc.)&#x20;
* `.webm` → Web Media (<mark style="color:blue;">video</mark>, <mark style="color:purple;">audio</mark>, subtitles, etc.)&#x20;

</details>

***

## Unsupported Media

<div><figure><img src="/files/bI5Yk1gUVHGZATc7diGh" alt="Vector Messenger Unsupported Media Filetypes (Screenshot)" width="286"><figcaption><p>Supported Media Filetypes Displayed</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/GRrnKmUNvj7hylMInE60" alt="Unsupported Media Filetypes Displayed" width="286"><figcaption><p>Unsupported Media Filetypes Displayed</p></figcaption></figure></div>

With the current `v0.4.0` release, there are many filetypes that Vector now supports, but for  unsupported files, there is a visual display letting the user know the filetype, size, and name. Referencing the images above, you will see the in-app display when certain filetypes are not supported. For security purposes, Vector also plans to add a support prompt confirming if this is the correct file the user wants to send, as well as the risks downloading certain files online to improve overall safety.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can request certain filetypes to be added by creating an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/VectorPrivacy/Vector/issues) or on [Discord](https://discord.gg/ar2pnE9Huy).
{% endhint %}

***

## GIFs

<figure><img src="/files/U1TKiZw01qFZ0T6FXcvo" alt="Screen Recording - GIF Panel" width="290"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

GIFs are built into Vector through [GIFverse](https://gifverse.net/), accessible via the Emoji Panel. In the top right of the panel, you can toggle between the Emoji and GIF tabs. Once on the GIF tab, the most popular GIFs are displayed first, with a search bar available to find something more specific. GIFs can be used throughout Vector, from private messages to group chats and communities.

To protect your metadata privacy, it is recommended to enable Tor in Settings before using GIFs, as GIF requests can potentially expose your IP address to third-party servers. This may not be a concern for the average user, but understanding your risks and adopting best privacy practices is always encouraged.