Embed Metadata into Image File

[tokyojerry]

This point may have been previously asked so my apology is so. I did a search and could not come up with a discussion related to my experience.

I am relatively new to XNview. One main reason I even started to use it is to be able to find photos I want to find among 1,000s of photos which I have accumulated over the years.

What I want to do if even possible, is, when I insert metadata into an image(s) I want to have that metadata embedded INTO the image itself and not creating separatge nuisance .xmp sidecar files that have to tag along wherever the image goes. I find very few, if any, program that can do this well. (maybe iMatch) Secondly what data does carry along with the image (some does) the data shows up in incorrect data fields when viewing the image details in Windows 11. For example. The information I put into the Caption field, a long 50-worded comment I create, shows up in the Title field, for that same image when viewing image details in Windows. Another example is, what I intend to use as a mere 4-5 word title conversely shows up in comments. Maybe this is a bug in XnView? Or, am I perhaps doing something wrong? The keywords in XnView somewhat appropriately show up under 'tags' in Windows 11 image details view.

But, being retired and only personal use, I only want to be able to find photos in my massive collection of many years based on just comments, keywords/tags etc., metadata included with the file. Thanks. Jerry - Tokyo.

[xnview]

For example. The information I put into the Caption field, a long 50-worded comment I create, shows up in the Title field, for that same image when viewing image details in Windows. Another example is, what I intend to use as a mere 4-5 word title conversely shows up in comments. Maybe this is a bug in XnView? Or, am I perhaps doing something wrong? The keywords in XnView somewhat appropriately show up under 'tags' in Windows 11 image details view.

I don't understand, what's the problem? Windows doesn't use same label for field...

[tokyojerry]

I don't understand, what's the problem? Windows doesn't use same label for field...

OK, to demonstrate by visual example is better than trying to explain the problem textually. Look at the two screen captures I include for a single photo.

This image shows a caption I created in XNview along with a © 2022 for a single image file.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ckk5L6VjxKGr66FJA
Comments I typed into the XNview/Caption do not show up in Windows image details 'Comments'. Instead, they are inserted as a title.

Here is how that caption data is displayed in Windows Explorer Comments field.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ecyHi84ikSuwn2sE7
The author (copyright/owner) from XNview does not show at all in image details 'Author' in windows.

Keywords set in XNview seem to show up in Windows image details as 'Tags' rather then Keywords, but that should be OK. Both are similar usage. Tags/Keywords.

I hope this helps to demonstrate more clearly what I was trying to state. I just want to edit basic Metadata that will imbed along with the file (not XMP sidecar files) such that I can search a large collection of files simply by a caption description word, tag, keyword.

thanks.

[xnview]

Windows explorer doesn't use IPTC but XMP, so it's better to use 'Edit XMP' or export IPTC to XMP

[tokyojerry]

Windows explorer doesn't use IPTC but XMP, so it's better to use 'Edit XMP' or export IPTC to XMP

Thank you kindly for your guidance. I am not so technical and don't know how to export IPTC to XMP, so I will just resolve myself to using IPTC which supports keywords and more anyway. Thanks again.

[balty]

I have the exact same question:

I have 2000+ images. I'm used to use Daminion, but for fome reasons, I have to get rid of it and find an alternative. XnView seems it's his best one. So far I like it.
The only point I'm not sure is where is the metada (Tags, colors (approved, not approved, etc)) stored ? I have the feeling it's stored in a database or in a separate xml file, but I REALLY NEED to embed this information INSIDE the picture files themselves.

Is there an option to change this behavior ? Is there a way to tranfer the Metadata from the existing database inside the files, easily ?

Thanks

[michel038]

I have the exact same question:

I have 2000+ images. I'm used to use Daminion, but for fome reasons, I have to get rid of it and find an alternative. XnView seems it's his best one. So far I like it.
The only point I'm not sure is where is the metada (Tags, colors (approved, not approved, etc)) stored ? I have the feeling it's stored in a database or in a separate xml file, but I REALLY NEED to embed this information INSIDE the picture files themselves.

Is there an option to change this behavior ? Is there a way to tranfer the Metadata from the existing database inside the files, easily ?

Thanks

- Metadata can be stored in companion xmp file, or not (Tools>Settings>Metadata>"Update or create xmp sidecar")
If this option is not ticked, metadata will be stored inside the file , for file types that can support embedded metadata (jpg and some other types)

- You can use iptc or xmp metadata, or both (that's what I chose)
When using "Tools>Metadata>Edit IPTC or Edit XMP" windows , the settings are located in the last tab...
(You can enlarge the window for better preview)

... don't know how to export IPTC to XMP,

in "Mode" drop down menu, you can choose iptc or xmp or both
Use "Edit IPTC" and Mode = "IPTC + Create or update xmp"
But if you have hundreds of photos to update , Select some photos and use "Tools>Metadata>Transfer" , choose xmp target field, select source iptc field etc...

- For keywords only (and star ratings and color labels)
XnViewMP provides a tool called "categories" which allows to manage the keywords (iptc or xmp, embedded or sidecar) and a "catalog" (= database).
Settings are in this place : Tools>Settings>Metadata ...
"Export catalog's categories" option must be enabled in order to write categories as iptc or xmp keywords.
Check also other useful options ...
(xmp hierarchical keywords are always used, iptc hierarchical keywords need an option ticked)
("Import" option is designed to update catalog and categories with keywords that were previously written in photos)

---

Is there a way to tranfer the Metadata from the existing database inside the files, easily ?

Select files, "View>Update files from catalog" (Tools>Settings>Metadata options are used)
If you have lots of folders, use "View, Show files in subfolders"
But only keywords, star ratings and color labels are managed in the catalog.

[balty]

Thank you VERY MUCH. Super helpful !