Example: Midjourney image
Saved from Midjourney with its metadata intact. The Software tag names the tool outright.
This is a real result from the same pipeline a visitor uses — not a mock-up. Upload the same file and you get the same verdict.
The file itself declares how it was made: The file's Software/Creator field reads: "Midjourney v6.1". This is embedded provenance data rather than a guess, so it is the strongest evidence available — though metadata can be stripped or forged.
What the file says about itself
The strongest evidence available — read straight from the file. It can still be stripped or forged, and we don't verify the cryptographic signature.
- Metadata names Midjourneypoints to AI · Embedded provenance
The file's Software/Creator field reads: "Midjourney v6.1".
Supporting signals
Individually weak. They shift the estimate but never decide it.
- Dimensions match a standard AI output sizepoints to AI · Statistical hint
1024×1024 is a preset output size for common image generators.
Detection models
The file's own metadata was conclusive, so no model was needed.
Analysed in 0.1s. Detection models are unreliable on content they weren't trained on, and text detectors are documented to misjudge writing by non-native English speakers. Never use this as sole evidence of wrongdoing.
Why this matters. Metadata can be stripped or forged, so we describe this as what the file declares about itself — not as proof.