Metadata

What it is

Two ways to edit IPTC metadata: a batch editor that writes the same fields across every selected photo, and a per-photo editor in the viewer. Set copyright, caption, keywords, creator and title — and strip camera and GPS data before sending files to clients.

Batch editor

Select photos and choose Image → Edit Metadata (⌘I). A window opens with the fields, a Remove section, and the destination options.

Each field has a checkbox: the field is written only when its box is ticked. A ticked field left empty erases that field from the photos.

Fields

• Copyright, Creator, Title, Caption
• Keywords — comma-separated. Replace swaps the existing keywords; Append adds to them (duplicates are skipped)

Existing values

When the window opens, fields show what's already on the selection: a value appears only when it's identical across every selected photo. Your copyright and creator carry over from the last time you applied them — your stamp stays ready for the next batch — while captions, titles and keywords reflect the photos you've selected.

Remove camera & location

• Remove camera info — make, model, lens, serial number and exposure settings
• Remove location — GPS coordinates

Two independent toggles — handy before handing files to clients who shouldn't see your gear or where a shot was taken.

Apply to

• These files (in place) — rewrite the selected photos
• New copies — write to copies in a folder you choose, leaving the originals untouched

Presets

Save a set of fields as a named preset (a client copyright stamp, say) and pick it from the dropdown next time. The preset you used last is reselected automatically.

Per-photo editor

In the viewer, ⌘I opens the metadata panel for the current photo. Edit the fields and move between photos — your changes are saved automatically as you advance.

Undo

⌘Z reverts the last metadata change — including stripped camera and GPS data, which is restored exactly as it was.