Creating Custom CSV Export Templates
While MetaPhotoAI includes built-in templates for major agencies like Adobe Stock and Shutterstock, you may need to export metadata in a specific format for other platforms or your own database. This guide walks you through creating and using custom CSV export templates.
Accessing the CSV Template Manager#
You can manage your export templates in two ways:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Via Menu Bar | Go to Tools > CSV Export Templates |
| Via Action Bar | Click "Export CSV" button and select "Manage Templates" |
Creating a New Template#
In the CSV Export Templates window:
Click New Template
Click the "+ New Template" button.
Enter template name
Give your template a descriptive name (e.g., "My Custom Export").
Set agency name
(Optional) Enter the name of the agency this template is for.
Choose separator
Choose how the data fields should be separated.
Separator Options#
| Separator | Character | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Comma | , | Most common, Excel default |
| Semicolon | ; | European locales |
| Tab | \t | Tab-delimited files |
| Pipe | | | Special systems |
Mapping Metadata to Columns#
You must define which pieces of metadata will appear in which columns of your CSV file:
Add columns
Click "+ Add Column" for each field you want to include.
Set column name
Type the header text as it should appear in the first row of your CSV file (e.g., "Filename", "Image_Title", "Tags").
Select data field
Click the dropdown menu next to your column name and select the corresponding MetaPhotoAI metadata field.
Reorder if needed
Drag columns to reorder them, or delete using the "X" icon.
Available Data Fields#
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Filename | The file name with extension |
| Title | AI-generated or manual title |
| Description | Full description text |
| Keywords | Comma-separated keywords |
| Categories | Assigned categories |
| Capture Date | Date the image was taken |
| Location | City, State, Country |
| Copyright | Copyright information |
Saving and Using Your Template#
Save
Once your mapping is complete, click "Save Template." Your new template will appear in the sidebar list.
Select media
To use it, select your images or videos in the filmstrip.
Export
Click "Export CSV" in the bottom action bar.
Choose template
Select your custom template from the dropdown menu.
MetaPhotoAI will generate the CSV file and provide a notification allowing you to open its location in your system file explorer.
Template Examples#
Basic Export#
| Column Name | Data Field |
|---|---|
| file | Filename |
| title | Title |
| description | Description |
| tags | Keywords |
Detailed Export#
| Column Name | Data Field |
|---|---|
| Filename | Filename |
| Image_Title | Title |
| Caption | Description |
| Keywords | Keywords |
| Category1 | Categories |
| Date_Taken | Capture Date |
| Location | Location |
| Copyright | Copyright |
Managing Existing Templates#
| Action | How To |
|---|---|
| Edit | Click on template name in sidebar, modify, save |
| Duplicate | Right-click template, select Duplicate |
| Delete | Right-click template, select Delete |
| Rename | Edit the Template Name field |
Tip
By creating custom templates, you can ensure your metadata is always perfectly structured for any third-party platform or internal system, eliminating the need for manual reformatting after export.
Next Steps#
- Export metadata to CSV using your templates
- Upload to stock agencies via FTP
- Automate with workflows including CSV export