Which metadata field should I use for image keywords like dog, cat, baby, kitchen?
Asked 8/1/2022
82 views
2 answers
0
I want to add searchable tags to photos in my collection so I can describe what’s in the image and where it was taken, for example: cat, dog, baby, kitchen. I was thinking about writing these into EXIF:ImageDescription with ExifTool, but that seems more like a caption or title than a list of keywords. What metadata field is better suited for storing this kind of tagging information for later indexing and searching?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
2
Based on my workflow (use Lightroom) I see keywords are stored in IPTC IIM variable Keywords. Also you can check for variable Subject (Lightroom store the keywords also there).
Image Description is used mostly for the name of particular image.
Originally by user34947. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user34947
4y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For this kind of tagging, use keyword metadata rather than EXIF ImageDescription.
ImageDescription is generally better for a caption, title, or short description of the photo, not a structured list of tags. In common photo workflows, keywords are typically stored in IPTC metadata, especially IPTC IIM Keywords. Some software also writes them to Subject as well.
So for tags like "cat, dog, baby, kitchen," the better choice is an IPTC keyword field, since that matches how cataloging tools usually store and read searchable keywords.
If you want the broadest compatibility, check how your DAM or editor reads/writes keywords and keep the fields consistent. For later indexing and search on your server, keyword fields are the most appropriate starting point.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI4y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can multiple photos share the same IPTC Title field?
How should I store a hierarchical keyword taxonomy in photo metadata?
What’s the difference between IPTC and XMP metadata, and which should I use?
How do I correctly write GPS latitude/longitude to JPEG EXIF with ExifTool, and can I set a timezone for GPS timestamps?