Find and Replace
The Find and Replace feature in MetaPhotoAI is a powerful tool for quickly correcting errors or updating specific terms across multiple files. This is especially useful for managing batches of similar images where you need to maintain consistency while allowing for slight variations in the metadata.
How to Access Find and Replace#
Select your media
In the bottom film strip, select the images or videos you want to search through. You can select a single file, a range (Shift + Click), or an entire folder.
Open the menu
Click the ellipsis icon (three dots) in the bottom action bar.
Choose Find & Replace
Select "Find & Replace" from the menu.
Using the Find & Replace Window#
Once the dialog box opens, you will see several configuration options:
Search Settings#
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Search Scope | Shows how many images are being searched |
| Find | The word or phrase you want to locate |
| Replace with | The new word or phrase to use |
Search In#
You can choose to search and replace text within specific metadata fields:
- Title - Search in titles only
- Description - Search in descriptions only
- Keywords - Search in keywords only
Tip
You can select multiple fields to search across all of them at once.
Options#
- Match whole words only: If checked, it will only replace exact matches. For example, "cat" will not match "category."
Reviewing Changes#
Before applying the changes, MetaPhotoAI provides a real-time preview:
- Matches Found: The app displays the total number of matches found across your selection
- Before/After: You can see exactly how the text will change in each affected field
Warning
Always review the preview before applying changes. Find and replace cannot be undone in bulk—you would need to manually revert each change.
Finalizing the Update#
Review preview
Verify all changes look correct in the preview area.
Click Replace All
Click the "Replace All [X]" button (where X is the number of matches).
Confirm
The metadata for all selected images will be updated instantly.
Common Use Cases#
| Scenario | Find | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Fix typo | "recieve" | "receive" |
| Update location | "NYC" | "New York City" |
| Standardize terms | "photo" | "photograph" |
| Remove brand | "Nike shoes" | "athletic shoes" |
| Update year | "2024" | "2025" |
Best Practices#
- Start specific: Search in one field at a time for more control
- Use whole words: Enable "Match whole words only" to avoid unintended replacements
- Small batches first: Test on a small selection before applying to large batches
- Review previews: Always check the before/after preview
Note
Find and Replace is a great way to quickly update seasonal references, fix common typos, or standardize terminology across your entire library.
Next Steps#
- Filter your media to find files needing updates
- Clear metadata to start fresh
- Use templates for consistent new entries