Batch processing stripping metadata

[FotoMonkey]

I noticed that when I try to batch process images (for example, taking large JPG images and reducing them) the metadata is stripped. I'm not selecting the "strip metadata" macro. Any tips on how I can prevent it from getting stripped?

[Ron P.]

Hi @FotoMonkey, welcome to the forums,

What format are the files being processed to? WEBP and EXR, the Metadata is not preserved, ie; embedded. In the others you just need to ensure the Embed Metadata box is selected. This is found by clicking the the 3 dots to the right.

 

[FotoMonkey]

This is weird. I didn't know about that checkbox, but it was already checked. Yet the metadata is still getting stripped. I just did another test. In the original folder I have everything. Run the batch command and it's all gone. Let me poke around and see if I can find any other settings.

[Lee D]

@FotoMonkeyI've just gone through the workflow Photo V2 of using the New Batch Job option to resize an existing JPEG to a smaller one with the default options (Embed metadata enabled). On checking the new resized JPEG the metadata is still available. I then repeated the process but this time unchecking Embed metadata, when I check the new JPEG the metadata is removed. So it seems to be working as expected.

Have you gone through the workflow again to confirm the same occurs each time. Please also confirm which version of Affinity Photo you're using. 

[FotoMonkey]

@Lee D Ok, this is partially operator error and partially an issue. I just realized that yes, the regular metadata is fine. I didn't realize that it's only when I'm looking for mfgr-specific metadata. For example, with the Fuji series, there is some useful info that they write regarding their film simulations. So if I look at generic info, it's the same.

 

# Before
exiftool DSCF4852.jpg| head
ExifTool Version Number         : 12.65
File Name                       : DSCF4852.jpg
Directory                       : .
File Size                       : 7.7 MB
File Modification Date/Time     : 2023:09:02 19:25:43-04:00
File Access Date/Time           : 2023:09:02 19:25:44-04:00
File Inode Change Date/Time     : 2023:09:02 19:38:45-04:00
File Permissions                : -rw-r--r--
File Type                       : JPEG
File Type Extension             : jpg

# After
exiftool smaller/DSCF4852.jpg| head
ExifTool Version Number         : 12.65
File Name                       : DSCF4852.jpg
Directory                       : smaller
File Size                       : 7.7 MB
File Modification Date/Time     : 2023:09:04 10:58:59-04:00
File Access Date/Time           : 2023:09:04 11:10:38-04:00
File Inode Change Date/Time     : 2023:09:04 11:10:36-04:00
File Permissions                : -rw-r--r--
File Type                       : JPEG
File Type Extension             : jpg

However, when I look at the Fuji-specific data, that's missing.

# Before
exiftool -a -G1 -FujiFilm:All -u -sort DSCF4852.jpg| head
[FujiFilm]      AF Area Mode                    : Zone
[FujiFilm]      AF Area Point Size              : n/a
[FujiFilm]      AF Area Zone Size               : 3 x 3
[FujiFilm]      AF Mode                         : Zone
[FujiFilm]      AF-C Priority                   : Release
[FujiFilm]      AF-C Setting                    : Set 1 (multi-purpose)
[FujiFilm]      AF-C Speed Tracking Sensitivity : 0
[FujiFilm]      AF-C Tracking Sensitivity       : 2
[FujiFilm]      AF-C Zone Area Switching        : Auto
[FujiFilm]      AF-S Priority                   : Release


# After
exiftool -a -G1 -FujiFilm:All -u -sort smaller/DSCF4852.jpg| head
fotomonkey@Fotomonkeys-Air  ~/Pictures/0823-testing

Notice that after I convert it, the command just returns me to the prompt with no data. So it's a very specific use case. Unfortunately, it's this Fuji info that can help me track down the info used to create the "look" tied to it.

[David in Яuislip]

Some files using
exiftool -makernotes:all File > File.txt
on the raws and the jpegs from Photo V1
4,769 NikonNEF.txt
0 NikonJpg.txt
7,418 OlyORF.txt
0 OlyJpg.txt

You can use exiftool to copy metadata from the raws to the jpegs until Serif gets this sorted

[FotoMonkey]

@David in Яuislip Hmm. Didn't think about that. It's an extra step in the workflow but shouldn't be insurmountable. Thanks for the suggestion. Looks like -tagsFromFile should fit the bill.