IPTC the Timesaver

What is is?

IPTC is VERY important if you are trying to sell your images on microstock.

When I started I had about 30 images that I uploaded via web form to three different microstock sites. I manually typed in the title, description and keywords for each image at each site. The entire process took at least five hours.

I knew there had to be an easier way. I started an excel spreadsheet of all my titles, descriptions and keywords so I could more easily paste them in.

Then I discovered IPTC!

IPTC is data embedded in the photo, otherwise known as metadata. With IPTC you can add the title, description and keywords into the image itself and the microstock sites will automatically read that data. No more manually filling out the forms fields for each image! Unfortunately you’ll still need to individually enter the categories on the individual websites that require categories.

Okay, you sold me, how do I do it?

If you are on a PC you can add IPTC information in several ways.

Windows 7:

• Right click on your file, select properties.
• Select the third tab "Details"
• Fill in the Title, Subject and Tags

Adobe Bridge:

• Open Adobe Bridge
• Browse for you file
• On the "metadata" window you can update the Headline, Description, Keyword, Title

Note: According to this blog if you download the trial version of adobe photoshop you get bridge included. Photoshop will expire in 30 days but you can continue to use bridge for free.

Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator:

• Open Photoshop or Illustrator
• Open your Image
• Under File, select "File Info"
• Update the Headline, Description, Keyword, Title

Note: I recommend applying the IPTC to your source files (psd, ai, eps). When you save them as jpgs they will inherit the IPTC information.

ProStock Master (freeware): http://prostockmaster.com

• Open ProStock Master
• Browse for your image
• Update the IPTC data on the bottom box

 

On a Mac

(Sorry, I don't own a mac BUT I heard you can add IPTC data in iphoto. Will find a mac and update soon)