Welcome to our FAQ page about the EXIF metadata feature in the upload flow. Here, you'll find answers to common questions about how we use metadata from your JPEG photos to enhance your upload experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metadata is used from my photo?
We currently extract and use the Title and Tags (Keywords) metadata from JPEG files. This information is used to pre-populate the Title and Tags fields in the upload form, making it easier and quicker for you to upload your photos.
Why do you use my metadata?
We use your photo's metadata to streamline the upload process and ensure your photos are accurately described and easily discoverable. By pre-populating the Title and Tags fields, we save you time and help maintain the consistency of information across your camera, editing software, and our platform.
Can I edit the Tags when they've been pre-populated based on my metadata?
Tags are only shown in the web upload flow, where you have full control to edit, remove, or add to the pre-populated Tags before finalizing your upload. Tags are not shown in the mobile app upload flow.
Can I edit the Title when they've been pre-populated based on my metadata?
No, the Title field is no longer shown in the mobile app or the web upload flow. However, if your photo's file data contains title metadata, Pexels will still extract and store it.
Do you store this metadata even if I remove it in the upload flow?
No, we only store the information that you confirm in the final upload. If you choose to remove or edit any pre-populated metadata during the upload process, we will only keep the final version that you submit.
What happens if my photo doesn't have any metadata?
If your photo doesn't contain relevant metadata, the Title and Tags fields will simply remain empty, and you can fill them in manually as usual if you choose to.
Do you use AI to process my metadata?
For the initial extraction and pre-population of metadata, we do not use AI. We simply read the existing EXIF data from your JPEG file. However, please note that we have a separate AI-powered keyword review process that may add or remove keywords to ensure quality and relevance. This process occurs after you've submitted your upload.
What should I do if I encounter a problem with this feature?
If you experience any issues with the metadata extraction or pre-population, please contact our support team. Include details about the problem and, if possible, information about the device and software you used to create and edit the photo.
Can I opt out of this feature?
Currently, there isn't an option to opt out of this feature. However, you always have full control to edit or remove any pre-populated information before finalizing your upload.
How come you have access to my metadata? Should I be worried about my privacy?
The metadata we access is part of the JPEG file you choose to upload. We only read this data to assist you in the upload process, and we do not access or store any metadata beyond what's necessary for this feature. Your privacy is important to us, and we only use this information to enhance your experience on our platform.
How do you store the metadata while the photo is still being uploaded?
During the upload process, we temporarily store the metadata to populate the upload form. This data is handled securely and is not associated with any user information until you finalize the upload. Once you submit or cancel the upload, any temporary data is immediately discarded.
Is this feature available on all Pexels platforms?
Yes, this feature is available on all Pexels platforms, including our website and mobile apps. It has been a part of our mobile apps for quite some time, and we're excited to bring this convenience to our web users as well.
How can I add metadata to my photos before uploading?
While we don't provide tools for adding metadata to your photos, many popular photo editing software like Affinity Photo allow you to add or edit EXIF metadata. Consult your software's documentation for specific instructions on how to add titles and keywords to your photos.
Can I prevent specific keywords from being imported?
Currently, we don't have a feature to selectively import keywords. All keywords found in the metadata will be imported, up to a maximum of 30 tags. However, you can easily remove any unwanted tags during the upload process.
Will the keywords be available when someone downloads my photo?
No, the keywords and metadata you provide during upload are not included when others download your photo from Pexels. They are used solely for organizing and discovering photos on our platform.
What are the benefits of using keywords and titles?
Keywords and titles play a crucial role in making your photos discoverable on Pexels. They help users find your work when searching for specific themes or subjects. Well-chosen keywords and descriptive titles can significantly increase the visibility of your photos, potentially leading to more views, downloads, and recognition for your work.
Which specific EXIF and IPTC fields do you read from?
We read from a specific set of EXIF and IPTC fields to extract titles and keywords. For the most up-to-date information on the exact fields we use, please contact our support team.
Need More Help?
If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help!