Search function not working

[robgo2]

I have been trying unsuccessfully to search through my photo files using keywords, but all of my searches come up empty.  I am not having any such problems with the Find feature.  I have read the user manual section on searching, and I do not know what I am missing.  I am on a MacPro with OS 10.7.5.  Please help.

Thanks,
Rob

[Kirk Baker]

Are the files you're searching for RAW files with XMP sidecar files?

If so, Spotlight ignores the metadata in sidecar files (or at least it doesn't associate the data with the RAW files).

-Kirk

[robgo2]

Are the files you're searching for RAW files with XMP sidecar files?

If so, Spotlight ignores the metadata in sidecar files (or at least it doesn't associate the data with the RAW files).

-Kirk

Yes, these are RAW files.  Is there some other way to search that does not involve Spotlight?  If not, this is a real weakness of Photo Mechanic.

Rob

[Kirk Baker]

Are the files you're searching for RAW files with XMP sidecar files?

If so, Spotlight ignores the metadata in sidecar files (or at least it doesn't associate the data with the RAW files).

Yes, these are RAW files.  Is there some other way to search that does not involve Spotlight?  If not, this is a real weakness of Photo Mechanic.

Other than opening up folders and using Find?  No.  That's why we're working on a full catalog system for PM.

-Kirk

[robgo2]

Would it make any difference to convert the raw files to DNG?

Rob

[Kirk Baker]

Rob,

Would it make any difference to convert the raw files to DNG?

It just might.  Then the XMP would be embedded.  I don't know offhand if Spotlight indexes DNG files though.  Give it a try on a few images.  Then do a search.

-Kirk

[robgo2]

Rob,

Would it make any difference to convert the raw files to DNG?

It just might.  Then the XMP would be embedded.  I don't know offhand if Spotlight indexes DNG files though.  Give it a try on a few images.  Then do a search.

-Kirk

Kirk,

I tried it with DNGs, and the Search function works.  I guess that is one solution--convert all raw files to DNG with the Adobe DNG convertor.

Rob

[robgo2]

Kirk,

After some more experimentation, it appears that even with DNGs, the Search function does not work for all bits of IPTC info.  For instance, caption info is not found, which is unfortunate.  Also, the Search function does not have a specific category for persons in the photo, which is one of the important pieces of information, IMO.

Rob

[Kirk Baker]

Rob,

After some more experimentation, it appears that even with DNGs, the Search function does not work for all bits of IPTC info.  For instance, caption info is not found, which is unfortunate.  Also, the Search function does not have a specific category for persons in the photo, which is one of the important pieces of information, IMO.

Very true.  Spotlight does not index a number of IPTC/XMP specific fields, especially the newest fields.

-Kirk