Help & Instructions

Getting Started

1. Loading Images

1. Click the "Select Image Folder" button
2. Choose a folder containing your images
3. The application will load all image files and display them in a grid
4. Each image appears as a card with its thumbnail and metadata form fields below

2. Selecting Target Agency (Optional)

Use the dropdown menu to select your target stock agency:

• Shutterstock - Shows Shutterstock-specific categories
• Dreamstime - Shows Dreamstime-specific categories
• Adobe Stock - Shows Adobe Stock-specific categories

This will display agency-specific category fields in each image card.

Adding Metadata

Title Field

• Required: Yes
• Minimum: 3 words
• Maximum: 200 characters
• Enter a descriptive, concise title for your image

Description Field

• Required: Yes
• Minimum: 5 words
• Maximum: 1000 characters
• Provide a detailed description of what the image shows

Keywords Field

• Required: Yes
• Minimum: 3 keywords
• Maximum: 50 keywords
• Type keywords and press comma (,) or Enter to add them as tags
• Click the × on any tag to remove it
• Keywords appear as green tags when valid

Categories

• Primary Category: Required - Select the main category
• Secondary Category: Optional - Select an additional category

Additional Options

• Editorial Use: Mark if the image is for editorial purposes only
• Mature Content: Mark if the image contains mature content

Bulk Actions

Apply common metadata to all images at once:

1. Enter a bulk title prefix (will only apply to images without titles)
2. Enter common keywords (will be added to all images)
3. Select a bulk category (will only apply to images without a primary category)
4. Click "Apply to All"

Search and Filter

• Search Box: Type to search by filename or metadata content
• Status Filter: Filter by completion status:
  • All Images - Show everything
  • Completed - Show only images with all required fields filled
  • Incomplete - Show only images missing required data
  • Validated - Show only images that pass all validation rules

Saving and Exporting

Export CSV

• Click "Export CSV" to download all metadata as a CSV file
• This file can be uploaded directly to stock photography agencies
• Includes: filename, title, description, keywords, categories, dimensions, file size, and path

Save All Data (Backup)

• Click "Save All Data" to create a complete backup
• Saves all metadata in JSON format
• Can be imported later to restore your work

Import Backup

• Click "Import Backup"
• Select a previously saved backup file (.txt)
• All metadata will be restored

Understanding Validation

Fields change color based on validation status:

• Green border: Field is valid and complete
• Red border: Field has errors (see message below field)
• Green glow: Field was just successfully updated

Progress Tracking

Three counters at the top show your progress:

• Images Loaded: Total number of images
• Completed: Images with all required fields filled
• Validated: Images that pass all validation requirements

Clearing Data

• Clear All Images: Removes all loaded images (metadata is kept in memory until you close the browser)
• Clear All Data: Removes all images AND all metadata completely

Tips for Best Results

• Save backups frequently using the "Save All Data" button
• Use descriptive, specific titles and descriptions
• Add varied, relevant keywords (mix broad and specific terms)
• Review the validation messages to ensure all fields meet requirements
• Use bulk actions to speed up repetitive tasks
• Click on thumbnails to view full-size images in a new tab

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