Process

Metadata Editor

Edit metadata fields across the 10 metadata categories

Overview

Metadata Editor edits dozens of metadata fields, organized into ten categories: General, Creator Contact, Location, Editorial, Rights & Licensing, Technical, Classification & AI, Scientific — Taxonomy, Scientific — Observation, and Archive. Work in Individual mode to edit one file at a time, picking the fields you want and seeing each value validated as you type, or in Batch mode to apply the same fields across many files at once.

Field-type validation checks emails, URLs, dates, and coordinates; multi-value fields such as Keywords use a chip-based editor; and IPTC limits are enforced (for example, the Category field is capped at three characters). All changes are written through ExifTool.

The four date fields — Date Created, Date/Time Original, Modify Date, and Metadata Date — are read the same way everywhere in Archyv, so the value shown here matches Metadata Review and the Find Existing / Find Missing filters. The Date Created shown uses a photo's own Date Created when it has one, and otherwise the camera's capture time, so a camera-original RAW file that carries only its capture time still shows a Date Created. Editing Date Created writes the photo's own Date Created field.

When to Use

Use Metadata Editor when you need to manage metadata beyond keywords and photographer attribution. Choose Individual mode to edit one file at a time when files need different metadata, or Batch mode to apply the same fields across many files. It suits publishing workflows, stock-photography preparation, archival documentation, client deliverables with specific attribution requirements, and work that must follow the IPTC standard. Reach for it when you need field-by-field validation, multi-value fields, or metadata spanning creator and contact details, location, editorial information, and technical fields.

Requirements

  • Supported formats: images (including JPEG, TIFF, PNG, HEIC, and RAW such as CR3) and videos (MP4, MOV, M4V)
  • All changes are written through the bundled ExifTool
  • Cloud files must be downloaded and accessible before editing
  • Field validation is enforced — follow the format for emails, URLs, dates, and coordinates
  • For multi-value fields, add values individually or paste a comma-separated list
  • IPTC limits are enforced (for example, the Category field is capped at three characters)

How to Use

  1. Select your files in the left Folder Navigator panel
  2. Select 'Metadata Editor' from the process bar — the editor opens automatically
  3. Use the 'Mode:' control at the top of the editor to choose 'Individual' (edit one file at a time) or 'Batch' (apply the same fields across many files)
  4. Select a category to work in (for example, General, Creator Contact, or Location) to filter the field list — you work in one category at a time
  5. Choose a field from the dropdown — it is filtered by the selected categories and the file type
  6. Enter the value, watch the inline validation as you type, and click 'Apply' to commit the field
  7. For multi-value fields, add values one at a time or paste a comma-separated list
  8. In Individual mode, move between files with 'Previous' and 'Next', applying each field's value as you go
  9. Click 'Start' to write the changes to your files
  10. Watch the log for validation results and per-file write status
  11. Review the summary of successful updates and any validation errors

Tips & Important Notes

  • Select a category to work in to narrow the field list to that category's fields
  • Use Individual mode when files need different metadata, and Batch mode when the same fields apply across many files
  • Field validation catches common mistakes — follow the format for email, URL, and date fields
  • For multi-value fields (Keywords, Subject Code), add values one at a time or paste a comma-separated list
  • The Category field is capped at three characters per the IPTC standard — use standard codes where possible
  • Enter dates as YYYY-MM-DD or YYYY:MM:DD HH:MM:SS so they validate
  • Creator Contact fields support attribution and copyright workflows
  • Location fields make your collection easier to search
  • Use Metadata Review after editing to confirm the updated fields