Working with metadata

Metadata is the information that describes your files in MediaLab. Adding clear and consistent metadata makes it much easier to organize, find, and share content across your team.

Adding and Editing Metadata

When you upload a file, MediaLab automatically extracts some technical metadata (such as file type or resolution). You can also add your own descriptive metadata to make files easier to identify.

  • Titles – Give your file a clear and recognizable name.
  • Descriptions – Add context about the content (e.g., project, scene, or purpose).
  • Tags – Apply tags to group files by topics, clients, or themes. Tags are especially useful for search and Smart Collections.

To edit metadata:

  1. Open a file.
  2. Go to File > Edit.
  3. Update the fields you need and click Save.

Why Metadata Helps

Good metadata makes MediaLab more powerful:

  • Improves search – Quickly find files using keywords, tags, or descriptions.
  • Supports workflows – Metadata can trigger automated tasks, such as FTP deliveries or Smart Collections.
  • Keeps teams aligned – Everyone sees the same context, reducing confusion when working with large volumes of media.

Best Practices

  • Keep titles short but meaningful.
  • Use consistent naming conventions and tags across your team.
  • Fill out descriptions with details that will help later (e.g., campaign name, rights info, or deadlines).
  • Use metadata templates if your Lab has them configured, to ensure consistency across uploads.

Note: Some metadata (like EXIF data from images) is automatically extracted during upload. For more advanced workflows, administrators can set up custom metadata fields.