Settings

Settings: Field Categories

Choose which metadata field categories appear in the Metadata Editor

Overview

Field Categories controls which groups of metadata fields are visible in the Metadata Editor and related processes. Turning a category off hides its fields everywhere they appear, decluttering the editor down to the fields you actually use. The same categories also group the metadata filters in Find Existing and Find Missing into category submenus, though every field stays available there regardless of which categories are visible.

It also sets how GPS coordinates are displayed. Changes take effect immediately and never alter the metadata itself — only what is shown.

When to Use

Adjust Field Categories to match the kind of metadata you work with. If you only edit everyday fields like titles, captions, and keywords, keep the default categories and leave the rest hidden for a simpler editor. Turn on Scientific — Taxonomy and Scientific — Observation when cataloging natural-history or specimen images that use Darwin Core fields. Turn on Technical or Archive when preparing files for an archive or stock library that needs detailed provenance. Set the GPS Coordinate Format to match how you prefer to read and enter location data. You can return to the standard set at any time with Reset.

Requirements

  • No special requirements - Field Categories settings are available immediately

Settings

Every control on this tab, grouped as it appears in Settings.

Field Categories
Category visibilityToggles · 10 categories

Toggles each metadata field category on or off, which shows or hides its fields everywhere they appear. Visible by default: General, Creator Contact, Location, Editorial, and Rights & Licensing. Off by default: Technical, Scientific — Taxonomy, Scientific — Observation, Classification & AI, and Archive.

When to useTurn off the categories you don't edit to simplify the Metadata Editor; turn on Scientific — Taxonomy and Scientific — Observation when cataloguing natural-history images with Darwin Core fields. The last visible category can't be hidden, so the editor is never empty.
ExampleAn archival team that never sets editorial fields hides Editorial, leaving a shorter editor focused on Rights & Licensing and Location.

Hiding a category only hides its fields — any values already stored stay intact and reappear if you re-enable it.

GPS Coordinate Format
Display FormatMenu · Signed Decimal / Decimal + Direction / Degrees, Minutes, Seconds · default Signed Decimal

Sets how the GPS coordinate format is displayed in location fields across the Metadata Editor and Metadata Review. A live example beneath the menu updates as you change it.

When to useChoose the format your records or downstream tools expect — for example Degrees, Minutes, Seconds for traditional charts, or Signed Decimal to match mapping software.
ExampleSwitching to Decimal + Direction shows “40.748817° N, 73.985428° W” instead of signed decimals.
Reset
Reset to DefaultsAction · Reset

Restores the default category visibility — General, Creator Contact, Location, Editorial, and Rights & Licensing on, the rest off.

When to useUse to return to the standard set after hiding or showing categories.
ExampleAfter experimenting with a minimal editor, Reset brings back the standard categories.

Tips & Important Notes

  • Changes save automatically and take effect immediately - there is no Save button.
  • The five categories marked 'Default On' (General, Creator Contact, Location, Editorial, Rights & Licensing) cover everyday fields; the other five add scientific, technical, AI, and archival fields.
  • The GPS 'Display Format' applies wherever coordinates are shown - both the Metadata Editor and Metadata Review.
  • 'Reset' restores the five default categories, so any optional categories you turned on are switched back off.