Bulk editing metadata in a Sharepoint Picture Library
One of our SharePoint users asked me if it was possible to select a range of multiple images in a SharePoint Picture Library and edit their metadata in one go?
In a Document library you can do this by using the “Edit in datasheet” option, in the datasheet you can bulk edit the metadata, but for some reason the Picture Library doesn’t have that option.
But, if you have Access 2007 installed on your pc, you can create an Access View which allows you to use Access 2007 to populate the metadata.
1. Go to your Picture Library and Create a new view
2. Choose Access View
3. Save the file somewhere
4. Datasheet is the best way to edit bulk data
5. Edit your metadata, click in another record to save the changes
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October 30th, 2009 at 19:30
I use this feature a lot to edit image metadata in bulk, however… the fact that this method using Access 2007 in datasheet view does not have cell copy and drag-down features like Excel does is a real bummer… The only workaround I see is to do a search and replace within the field, which has the drawback of being extremely slow… it does maybe 2 records per second…
January 7th, 2010 at 15:32
Happened to stumble on this post. We have developed a feature for SharePoint where you get automatically the embedded metadata of an image, like exif data, description, keywords and copyright. Might be a solution for your SharePoint users…
Anyhow, here you can find information on our piXStorage Picture Library Enricher for SharePoint:
http://www.synergy4.eu/category/products/picture_library_enricher
regards,
Mark
January 23rd, 2010 at 22:40
Sounds good. It’s great how there’s always someone talking/blogging about the exact subject that interests you – so thanks for taking the time! I’m just an average user unfortunately but I’m looking to attend some events soon to see how to make more use of SharePoint when we migrate.
April 9th, 2010 at 22:51
Hi just wanted to update this blog. We have updated our Picture Library Enricher with GPS coordinates. This is a handy tool for companies who have shot thousands of photos with location information like pipeline and construction companies or insurance companies who take photo’s of damaged objects etc. Or travel agencies or photographers who find it important to know where they shot their photos.
More info can be found here:
http://www.synergy4.eu/products/picture-library-enricher-for-sharepoint
Regards,
Mark
July 22nd, 2010 at 18:37
It would be nice if the person tagging the photo (via access) could see the photo… or if there was an add-on that allowed datasheet style updating with a thumbnail. Anyone aware of an add-on that could do this?
August 6th, 2010 at 16:19
I am trying to utilize this function however I am wondering if there is a way to view the hyperlinks to the photos as actual thumbnails in the form. We have over 1000 photos stored in our photo library on SharePoint and we need to be able to edit the information for them quickly and efficiently. It is inefficient to have to open each link to view the photo we are filling in information about.
Any suggestions?