PhotoShelter Introduces Metadata Templates

What is a metadata template?

Metadata templates are saved sets of metadata fields and values you can apply to one file or many in one step. You build the template, add your copyright, keywords, event name, and any other fields, then apply the template to a batch of files without re-typing anything.

Each field in a template has a value and a rule: Append, overwrite, or delete.

• Append adds your value to what’s already in the field
• Overwrite replaces whatever is there
• Delete clears the field

Those rules stay in the template. You set them once. They run the same way every time.

How do metadata templates work in PhotoShelter?

You can build a template from scratch in the Metadata Templates settings area, or save the current state of your Edit Metadata panel directly as a new template:

• Select any number of files
• Pick a template from the dropdown in the Edit Metadata panel and apply 
• Every field in the template updates across all selected files in one action

Who uses metadata templates?

Anyone who tags the same fields repeatedly across large batches of files. 

Common cases:

• A sports media team applies copyright, event keywords, and photographer credit to every photo from a game
• A college athletics department runs IPTC fields across a full weekend of tournament photos without re-typing between batches
• A hospital system tags every photo from a facility shoot with the correct location, department, and usage rights in one step
• A consumer goods company keeps product information attached to every asset for that product
• A marketing team tags every asset in a campaign with campaign name, location, and rights metadata

Are metadata templates shared across a team?

In PhotoShelter, yes. Templates are stored at the org level. Every library user in your organization sees the same templates. One person builds “Game Day” or “Press Conference” and the whole team uses it the same way.

Can I import metadata templates from other tools?

Yes. PhotoShelter imports metadata templates from TXT, and XMP files. If you already have templates in PhotoMechanic, Adobe Bridge, Lightroom, or Capture One, you can bring them in without rebuilding from scratch.

You can also import a template from an IPTC-embedded JPG. If a file is already tagged the way you want, PhotoShelter reads that metadata and turns it into a reusable template.

What metadata template formats does PhotoShelter support?

At launch, PhotoShelter supports TXT and XMP file import, and IPTC-embedded JPG import.

Where do I manage my metadata templates?

The Metadata Templates settings area is where you create, rename, duplicate, and delete templates. Every library admin has access to it.