One of the classes I took at RootsTech 2013 in February was on metadata by Randy W. Whited. From what I’ve learned using metadata makes the most sense of all the ways to organize your photos and documents digitally. I’ve tried the long name files with date and name of the person but by using the metadata you can include so much more information and all of it is searchable. What I didn’t realize is how easily you can use the metadata. You don’t have to have a special app, your operating system is all you need. Just right-click on the file (in Windows) and open the properties panel. You can reach the metadata there and add to it.
There are photo organization programs that make it easier to get access to the metadata and edit it. I’m planning on using Adobe Bridge when I finally get around to using the power of metadata. At the moment it isn’t even on my to do list, but maybe I should go and change that. Then I could post with some real world experience instead of the few minutes I played around with metadata in the hands on RootsTech class.
OK, now it is actually on my to do list. I’m going to start with adding metadata to all the photos I have of our puppies in training. Back in May while I was working on Zodiac’s book I realized that it can be hard to tell him and Yakira apart once Zodiac grew up. Two black labs can look a lot alike depending on the angle of the shot. I’ll report back after I get started on it, maybe next week.
Here is the outline for the class I took.
Here is a short video on what metadata is.
Have you every used metadata? Have you even heard of it before?
telling family tales 
Thank you for this – and for the class outline. It’s made me think about going back through all the essay PDFs to ‘tag’ the people and places. Big job, though… 😦
There is some excellent information there. Yes it is a big job, but it will increase the value of your pdfs and that could lead to priceless information for someone in the future. I know I need to start putting some regular time into adding metadata to my things too.
Why do I need data about data?
It is a great way of making sure the information about the file, say a photo, stays with that file where ever it goes. Imagine if those old family photos that you don’t know who they are had “metadata” you could access that told you the date, time, place, who, etc. Sounds like the topic for another post, “Why do I need data about my data?” I’ll put it on the schedule for next week.
I’ll be looking forward to that!