Writing Metadata to Files
MetaPhotoAI allows you total control over how and when metadata is saved to your physical image and video files. While the application automatically generates tags and descriptions, you can decide whether these should be written to the files automatically or manually.
Configuring Auto-Write Settings#
By default, MetaPhotoAI writes metadata to your files as soon as it is generated. To change this behavior:
Open Settings
Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
Select Metadata Write tab
In the left sidebar of the Settings window, select the "Metadata Write" tab.
Toggle auto-write
Locate the "Auto-write to files" toggle and set your preference.
Auto-Write Options#
| Setting | Behavior |
|---|---|
| ON | Metadata is immediately embedded into the file upon generation |
| OFF | Metadata is stored only within the application until you choose to write it manually |
Manually Writing Metadata (EXIF)#
If you have disabled auto-write, or if you want to ensure a specific batch of files is updated:
Select media
In the bottom filmstrip, select the image(s) or video(s) you wish to update.
Access Tools
Click the ellipsis icon (three dots) in the bottom action bar.
Write EXIF
Select "Write EXIF" from the menu.
Choose scope
Select your preferred option.
Scope Options#
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| For Selected Images | Only updates the files you have currently highlighted |
| For All in Folder | Updates every file within the active folder |
Monitoring Write Progress#
Once you initiate a manual write, a "Processing" tab will open in the right panel:
| Tab | Description |
|---|---|
| Active | Shows the files currently being updated |
| Post | Lists files that have successfully been written to |
Status notifications at the bottom of the screen will confirm the number of images updated (e.g., "EXIF write completed! 4 images updated").
When to Use Manual Write#
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Quick edits | Use auto-write for immediate updates |
| Batch review | Disable auto-write, review all changes, then write manually |
| Quality control | Review AI-generated metadata before committing to files |
| Multiple agencies | Write different metadata sets to different file copies |
Tip
Disabling auto-write gives you a safety net—you can review and refine AI-generated metadata before it's permanently embedded in your files.
What Gets Written#
When you write metadata to files, the following fields are embedded:
- Title
- Description
- Keywords
- Categories
- Copyright information
- Capture date (if modified)
- Location data
Note
By managing your metadata writing preferences, you can ensure your files are always up-to-date and ready for use in other professional software or for submission to stock agencies.
Next Steps#
- Configure auto-write settings in global settings
- Export to stock agencies with embedded metadata
- Clear metadata before rewriting