Adding database and EXIF information to multiple files

You can use the Batch Set Information tool to add to or change the database and EXIF information of multiple files. You can set the information to apply globally to all the files, or to apply unique information to each separate file, at the same time. You can also save your settings as a template to use with other images.

You cannot set information for read-only files, such as those on a CD-ROM.

To set database and EXIF information for a group of files:

1. In Manage mode, select one or more files, and then click Tools | Batch | Batch Set Information.
2. In the Batch Set Information dialog box, do one or more of the following:
   • Select the Database tab to add or change the database information.
   • Select the EXIF tab to add or change the EXIF information.
   • Select the Advanced Options tab to adjust the settings for the Batch Set Information tool as explained in the table below.
3. Click Perform Set Information.

To insert data into the fields in the Batch Set Information dialog box:

Do one of the following:

• Type the exact information you want in the field. For example, you can type in captions, descriptions, notes, or comments. When you type in data, the same information appears for each file selected.
• Select information from calendars or lists. For example, you can select a specific date and time, or assign a rating to files. Each file will contain the same information.
• Insert an asterisk <*> to keep the original or existing data in the field. For example, many cameras store the date and time an image is taken. If you insert an asterisk in the field, this original information about each separate file is added to the EXIF information, or to the database, when you click Perform Set Information.
• Insert a series of number signs #. When the information is set, these will be replaced with incrementing characters, so each file will have a unique number.
• Select and insert metadata place holders. For example, you can insert the metadata placeholder <Camera:Model> in the Model field on the EXIF tab. When you set the information, the model of the camera that took each separate image will be inserted into the EXIF information. Alternatively, in the Notes or User comment fields, you can insert metadata place holders to include unique information about each file like file location, file type, aperture value, or other detailed metadata.
• Map information to a given field. For example, you can select to map Width to the Pixel X dimension field, and Height to the Pixel Y dimension field. When you set the information, the unique width and height of each image will appear in the EXIF fields for all of the files.

Advanced options

Edit only empty fields	Sets the Batch Set Information tool so that it only changes those fields that do not already contain information. Fields that do contain information remain unchanged.
Close dialog when finished	Sets the dialog box to close automatically after you have set the information.
Save settings as default	Stores the current Advanced Options settings and loads them the next time you set information for files.
Start incrementing numbers at	Sets the number at which to start incrementing any number signs <#>.

See also:

• About the ACDSee 12 database
• Using the Properties pane

Adding database and EXIF information to multiple files