Page 1 of 1
Where does XnView store metadata information?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 10:02 am
by zoltankr
Hello,
Where does XnView MP store the metadata information? Are metadata embedded in the JPG files themselves? or, is there a catalog file/database (as in Lightrooom) that holds all the information and that can be exported and re-imported if needed after a fresh Linux or XnView install?
Thank you,
Zoltan
Re: Where does XnView store metadata information?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 10:53 am
by cday
zoltankr wrote: Sun May 23, 2021 10:02 am
Where does XnView MP store the metadata information? Are metadata embedded in the JPG files themselves? or, is there a catalog file/database (as in Lightrooom) that holds all the information and that can be exported and re-imported if needed after a fresh Linux or XnView install?
Metadata that can be stored in a file can be viewed and edited in the browser
Tools > Metadata.
The location of other metadata (if that is the correct term, I'm not a metadata user myself...

) can be viewed and if desired changed in
Tools > Settings... > Integration in the browser or viewer.
Re: Where does XnView store metadata information?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 11:00 am
by michel038
XnViewMP can write embedded Iptc and xmp metadata in files that support these features. For raw files, one must use sidecar xmp companion files.
When using "Categories" tool to enter keywords, see export options in Settings, Metadata screen. If no options are enabled, keywords (and ratings) will be stored only in the databaae ( the catalog =xnview.db file) .
For other metadata (captions, places, rights...), the catalog is not used, (so we must use embedded or sidecar metadata)
Settings are in another place (except for sidecar).
Open "Edit iptc" or "Edit xmp" window, and choose "Mode" in the last tab.
Re: Where does XnView store metadata information?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 11:12 am
by zoltankr
Thank you for your support. Does the quality of a JPEG file deteriorate if I embeed metadata in it with XnView?
Re: Where does XnView store metadata information?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 11:31 am
by michel038
Does the quality of a JPEG file deteriorate if I embeed metadata in it with XnView?
I'm almost sure that no, when photos are selected in the browser.
(But not sure when a photo is opened in a tab, and when saving it by switching to the next one.)
Re: Where does XnView store metadata information?
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 11:55 am
by cday
Thank you
michel038 for the extra information.
When a JPEG image is open in a tab, switching to an image open in another tab shouldn't result in the first image being resaved.
If the JPEG has been edited since opening it, the changes will be lost unless the file is resaved, but with the default program settings there will be a suitable warning displayed.