Problem with Metadata Mechanic

[loweskid]

I put the wrong year in the caption (Description) field of 71 files.  I assumed I could correct it easily with the Metadata Mechanic but it deletes everything from the Description field and leaves it empty.  Fortunatly I tried it on just one file first...

Am I doing something wrong or is it a bug?

[Mario]

Try again with "Use Raw value" not checked.

[loweskid]

Ah, that's fixed it.  To be honest I didn't know what RAW value meant, there's nothing about it in the help.  Perhaps you could add something?

Thanks for the usual super-quick response.

[Mario]

The tooltip of this check box explains when to use it. I may repeat that info in the help.

I also explain this in relation with variables, where you can optionally work with the raw value:

Metadata Variables: Formatted and Raw

Raw values are also discussed in the topic about custom File Window layouts, where you can optionally enable the display of RAW values: Using Raw Values

Raw values are a more internal ExifTool feature, based on how metadata functions. If a user enables the "Use Raw" option, it is assumed that he/she is knowing what he/she is doing. Updating the RAW value is useful only in some very distinct cases.

[loweskid]

Thanks for the explanation.  The check box was already ticked when I opened the app so I assumed that was the default.  I've only used the app once before and don't remember ticking it but obviously I must have done.  And I completely forgot about tool tips....

[Mario]

I've double-checked to be sure. Use Raw is set to off by default.