iMatch Attributes vs. Repurposed Metadata Tags

[PandDLong]

I have some "custom" information I want to maintain for each file/image.  Some of it is additional data about the image, while some of it is workflow aids and future reminders for myself.

Initially, I was identifying metadata tags that I could safely and somewhat logically repurpose.  I don't share with agencies or commercial organizations, so I have lots of options in this regard.  My rationale was that this would keep everything "in the file". 

For items which would have a controlled vocabulary, using keywords is also an "in the file" option.

Now, I am learning about attributes and I see some good advantages - eg. more options to structure and manage the data contents.


How have others approached the use of these options for maintaining custom information.  What are the considerations that pushed you one way or the other?   

Would you do it differently in the future?

Michael

[Mario]

Rule:

R.1: If you want to store data in your files for other applications to see: Use the official metadata standard fields (XMP preferred).
R.2: If you want to create your own data storage schema or you want to store data independent from metadata standard restrictions: consider Attributes.
R.3: If you want to connect IMatch and some "backoffice" database or storage or some proprietary data storage facility: use Attributes.

IMatch Attributes allow you to create your own "database in the database" - completely free from any restrictions of established metadata standards.
Attribute data is treated by IMatch as first class data, with the same features as metadata (from sorting to searching to filtering to variables and import/export).
But you define what it stored and how.

[PandDLong]

Attributes look like a really good option for custom data - they have been well designed!

If I should ever stop using iMatch (or share/give images to someone else to put in their DAM) it looks like I could do an export and move the attributes into a set of metadata tags that I would choose at that time in such a way that the receiving system could ingest them.   Keeps your motto of being able to not getting stuck.

Unfortunately, it does mean a second panel is open to enter data when I am actively cataloguing.   I assume there isn't a way to update/edit attributes from a metadata panel or vice-versa?     
Maybe I can build a template or something that would allow me to enter data in one place and then distribute it to the right locations  - with iMatch it seems that almost anything is possible...

[Mario]

Yes, you can export Attribute data in various formats and also copy it into metadata when needed.
No, you cannot merge Attributes and metadata in the Metadata panel. Very different concepts with very different editors.

[loweskid]

I use 'spare' metadata tags for information that I want to display below the thumbnails.  I submit to the photo agency Alamy - they apply their own unique reference number to each image and also another reference number is applied to each batch uploaded, and these I have displayed below the thumbnail.  I use the tags - 'XMP Photoshop\Instructions' and 'XMP Photoshop\Transmission Reference' for these but note that you can change the labels in the metadata panel to read whatever you like (see image attached).

Alamy also have a concept of 'Supertags' - I can select ten keywords as supertags and these have priority in their search engine.  I don't always set these straight after upload (depends what mood I'm in) so I use another spare tag to display 'Completed' when I've done them.  I'm using 'XMP Photoshop\Description Writer' for this.  Note - you can have the colours of the text and/or background change depending on the contents.  So, as soon as I enter 'Completed' the text changes to yellow and the background to green, which gives another quick visual indication that they are done (but mainly just for fun).

Alamy also have another field for 'Additional Information' which can only be filled in on their website but I like to keep a copy in IMatch so I use Attributes for this.

Hope this helps.

[Mario]

Aah...Scotland! 

[loweskid]

Aah...Scotland! 

Indeed!  Especially in the spring when there's still snow on the mountains and before the dreaded midges wake up....