Can I batch-set photo dates from filenames if the file dates are wrong?
Asked 6/4/2015
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2 answers
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After moving a large photo library, many image files now show incorrect created/modified dates from the transfer date. The original capture date appears to still be encoded in the filenames. Is there a way to batch-read the date/time from filenames and write it back into the photo metadata, or otherwise restore correct photo dates?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
1
I am rather certain, that you have not got to do anything.
Because I think you are confusing EXIF dates with the dates of when the picture file was created. They are independent. The dates you are showing in your screen shot, are the creation and modification dates of the file, which are meaningless. What you are interested in is the creation date in the EXIF data. The info screen from the Finder (which I think you are showing) does not show this.
To see more of the EXIF data (including the creation dates) open the file with Preview and choose "Show Inspectore" from the "Tools" menu. Then click on the EXIF tab.
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You then should see if the date corresponds to the one in your filename. I am pretty sure that they will be the same and that you do not have to do anything.
On the other hand should the date be wrong, I agree with earlier answers that you should look into the EXIF tool.
Originally by user21271. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user21271
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—possibly, but first verify what’s actually wrong. File system created/modified dates are separate from the photo’s EXIF capture date, and transfer tools often change only the file dates. On macOS, Finder’s Info may not show the EXIF capture date. Check the image in Preview via Tools > Show Inspector > EXIF to see the original date.
If the EXIF date is still present and correct, you may not need to do anything except use software that reads EXIF instead of file dates.
If the EXIF date is missing and the only reliable date is in the filename, a batch metadata tool such as ExifTool can automate writing dates based on filenames. It’s commonly used for this kind of repair and can process many files at once.
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AI11y ago
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