Metadata is data that provides information about files/image. We can also call it characteristic of the file. Hence, metadata is the safest place to backup your data. However, metadata contains sensitive file information. And it is essential to understand how to work with such data (view, edit, delete). In addition, we will explain how to manage metadata in effective programs and observe the top 5 assets, which can help you organize your work with metadata properly.
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In this article, we would like to talk about the meaning of metadata in images.
Photo metadata is the information and details about a particular image. This information can include:
- date created
- size
- owner
- filename
- color depth
- type etc
Due to its structured appearance, metadata is readable not only by people but also by computers. Thus, it can be processed by machine and used for various purposes such as: indexing, searching, merging and automatic processing.
Viewing and editing file metadata
The сamera or scanner automatically generates metadata, and you can check the content in file property windows in all types of devices.
Here are the steps to do it on Windows:
- Select properties after right-clicking on the image.
- Select the details tab.
- Now, add the metadata to description, origin, author, and go through the following steps.
At the bottom of the properties, click on remove properties and personal information and select the data you want to delete if you’re looking to remove any metadata.
How to View Metadata in Photoshop
- Open the image for which you want to check the metadata.
- Head to the File menu, then click File info. And you can also press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + I on Windows and Command + Option + Shift + I on Mac.
- From here, you can copy or edit the metadata.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Note: You can’t edit the entire metadata, for example you cant edit information about the camera or data of file creation.
How to change metadata in InDesign
Edit metadata in image files
- In InDesign, right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Mac OS) the image, and then choose Edit Original. …
- In the original application, select file> File Info.
- Edit the metadata, and then click OK.
If you are an amateur and need to view and edit the metadata in some instances, we recommend Photoscape.
If you need more capabilities to edit metadata. Here are our top 5 programs.
Types of metadata
Before we move on to the next chapter, let’s look at the basic definitions of metadata types:
| EXIF | Exchangeable image file format (officially Exif, according to JEIDA/JEITA/CIPA specifications) is a standard that specifies the formats for images, sound, and ancillary tags used by digital cameras (including smartphones), scanners and other systems handling image and sound files recorded by digital cameras. |
| IPTC | The Information Interchange Model (IIM) is a file structure and set of metadata attributes that can be applied to text, images and other media types |
| XMP | The Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) is an ISO standard, originally created by Adobe Systems Inc., for the creation, processing and interchange of standardized and custom metadata for digital documents and data sets. |
| ID3 | ID3 is a metadata container most often used in conjunction with the MP3 audio file format. It allows information such as the title, artist, album, track number, and other information about the file to be stored in the file itself. |
Consequently, there are different types and formats for recording and storing metadata. In this article, we will not delve into the specifics of each type. However, if you or a technical specialist of your company have any questions about how to edit a specific type of metadata, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Daminion support service; we will try to offer you the best solution.
Top 5 programs for editing metadata
Daminion – A tool that can update metadata (EXIF / IPTC / XMP / ID3 / Office) in vector and bitmap images, video and audio files, office documents. Uses ExifTool and its libraries for working with metadata. Please feel free to read the article about metadata in Daminion: Metadata mapping Rules
Daminion automatically synchronizes database information with EXIF, IPTC, XMP, MWG, and format-specific metadata in a wide range of other media files, including PDF and Camera RAW formats. Daminion stores all asset information in tags. Examples of tags are Author, Keywords, File size, Media format, People, Place, etc.
Mapping Tags to Metadata
Each tag is mapped into a set of metadata. The Place Tag is mapped into eight metadata fields:
- IPTC:Country, IPTC: State, IPTC:City, IPTC:Location
- XMP:Country, XMP: State, XMP:City, XMP:Location
Any changes to the Place Tag are reflected in the metadata. So, the Place Tag will be filled out from information extracted from the IPTC/XMP, during the import.
AnalogExif
AnalogExif is a free metadata editor for scanned films and DSC-captured digital images. Modify the most EXIF, IPTC, and XMP metadata tags for JPEG and TIFF files.
EXIF.tools
A package of utilities for the string system allows you to retrieve, enter, delete, copy, and replace metadata. One of the fullest Exif editors. So, it runs on both Microsoft Windows and macOS, ExifTool is a powerful editor that reads, writes and edits meta information in a wide variety of files.
ImBatch
Utility for batch processing of images. In addition to the possibility of batch processing of metadata, it has a tool for editing metadata in a separate file.
Exif Pilot
Exif Pilot is a Free EXIF Editor that allows you to manipulate METAdata within image files. Unfortunately, the free version doesn’t come with batch processing; you’ll be required to pay a small fee for the addon plugin.
Can You Remove Metadata?
Yes, you can remove the metadata. Different programs and software can work with specific files or with certain information in the metadata. Metadata is an essential part of data, so that, if the image you share must have detailed data, you must edit the metadata in advance. Because if you upload an image to the site, then any user will have access to the metadata of this file.
Conclusion
Metadata plays an increasingly important role in the modern world. With the filled-in metadata, you can even better organize the storage of your files. Thus, with the option to edit or delete a particular type of data, you can also secure sensitive information if necessary. However, don’t neglect your work with metadata. So, you can book free trial in Daminion.
