How to add bulk file names and metadata to jpeg files

Digital Imaging| More Photo Tips

When scanning your photo collection, assigning clear, descriptive filenames is more than a technical step—it’s a vital way to ensure your family’s history is preserved and accessible for future generations. Filenames act as permanent identifiers, like microchips or birth certificates, anchoring each photo’s story and context. While prioritizing speed is tempting, a thoughtful and consistent naming system prevents confusion later and enhances the usability of organization tools like Apple Photos or Adobe Lightroom.

As photo archivists, we say that scanning is not just about digitization; it’s a journey of rediscovery, connecting you with family memories and uncovering stories you might have forgotten or never known. However, your effort today could be lost tomorrow without proper file naming, leaving future generations to piece together your photos from scratch. By dedicating time to this foundational step, you safeguard your legacy and ensure that your family’s story endures.

If you’re managing large batches of scanned photos, here are more straightforward, time-saving methods to add metadata:

1. Use Bulk Metadata Editing Tools

Tools like Adobe Bridge or XnView MP allow you to edit metadata for multiple images simultaneously.

Select all the photos, open the metadata editor, and apply keywords and titles to the entire batch.

2. Built-in OS Tools for Bulk Edits

On Windows:

Highlight multiple photos in File Explorer.

Right-click > Properties > Details tab.

Add keywords/tags in the “Tags” field, and they’ll apply to all selected files.

On Mac:

Select multiple files, right-click > Get Info.

Add keywords/titles in the “Comments” section.

3. Photo Management Apps

Apps like Google Photos or Apple Photos allow you to add simple descriptions or tags. While not metadata-specific, these make images searchable within the app.

4. Export with Metadata From Editing Software

In software like Adobe Lightroom, you can edit metadata for a single photo and then apply the same changes to a batch using the “Sync Metadata” function.

📍Quick Tip for Consistency:

Name folders by date or event (e.g., “2023_Family_Vacation”). This provides a layer of organization without including detailed metadata for each photo.

How to Add Keywords and Titles to Scanned Photos Using Apple Photos and Google Photos

Apple Photos:

While Apple Photos doesn’t offer accurate metadata editing, you can use titles and descriptions to make photos searchable:

Add Titles:

1) Open Apple Photos and select a photo.

2) Click the (i) icon or press Command + I to open the info panel.

3) In the “Title” field, type a title for your photo.

Add Descriptions (Acts as Keywords):

1) Use the “Description” field in the info panel to add keywords like names, events, or locations.

2) These keywords are searchable within Apple Photos.

3) Apply to Multiple Photos:

Select multiple photos.

Right-click and choose Get Info.

Enter a description to apply it to all selected images.

Google Photos: While Google Photos doesn’t allow direct metadata editing, you can add captions and use its AI-powered search:

1) Add Captions (Descriptions):

2) Open a photo in Google Photos.

3) Click the (i) icon in the top-right corner.

4) Add a description in the available field.

Leverage AI Search Tags:

1) Google Photos automatically tags photos with recognizable objects, locations, and faces.

2) Use the search bar to find photos by typing keywords (e.g., “beach,” “birthday”).

Create Albums for Organization:

1) Group photos by event or theme in albums (e.g., “2023 Vacation”).

2) Albums are searchable and provide a simple way to organize bulk photos.

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