Change iptc on large number of files in different folders

[Lionel122]

Hello,
I try to find the best solution to modify the copyright in a large number of photos (around 40000) which are not in the same folder.
What would you recommand ?
Thanks

[Hayo Baan]

There are various ways of dealing with this. One, the easiest and perhaps even the fastest, is to set up the IPTC stationary pad with the copyright info you require and then apply this to all files. (I suggest doing this in batches as 40,000 images is quite a lot...). Another solution would be to use Phil Harveys exifTool, a command line tool that can manipulate the metadata of many file formats.

[Lionel122]

Thanks, but does it need to put all the files in the same folder ?

And, when I use the stationary pad, it works well with less than around 100 files, and forgets some modifications over

[Kirk Baker]

Thanks, but does it need to put all the files in the same folder ?

If you want to update them all at once, you'd have to open each folder in a single contact sheet tab.  But you could process them one folder at a time instead, if you like.

And, when I use the stationary pad, it works well with less than around 100 files, and forgets some modifications over

I'm not sure what you mean?  The IPTC Stationery Pad has no limits to how many images it can apply its metadata.

-Kirk

[Lionel122]

thanks Kirk

I have the same issue when I try to change a word by using find / replace : over about 100 photos, the modification is not done on 100% of the files

[Hayo Baan]

This is really strange. Could be a rights issue. What happens if you try to change such a file individually? Do the changes stick then?

[Kirk Baker]

I have the same issue when I try to change a word by using find / replace : over about 100 photos, the modification is not done on 100% of the files

What version of Photo Mechanic are you using?

-Kirk

[Lionel122]

I use the 4.5 version