Using THE IPTC ASSISTANT is intuitive and much less complex than manually editing metadata. Simply import one or more images. ChatGPT limits each request to 10 files. For optimal use, I recommend starting with requests with fewer images, associating a specific context with each image or small group (2, 3, 4 or 5 images maximum). This avoids confusion for both the assistant and you when receiving the results.
Sending too many images at once can complicate the process. For greater efficiency, focus on more targeted requests.
Also add basic information, at least the date and location. For purely illustrative images, these two elements may suffice: the assistant will analyse the visual content themselves to complete the fields.
However, they are not infallible. They cannot guess what is not visible or obvious in the image. That’s why it’s useful to enrich the context with additional details: the issue addressed, the subject of the report, or even the species of an animal or plant. Another effective method is to add a link to a Wikipedia page, the event website, or simply copy and paste the associated press release.
To save even more time, you can use the voice dictation feature (microphone icon at the bottom right) to convey your instructions and the associated context more quickly.
THE IPTC ASSISTANT can also generate IPTC fields even if you do not upload your images to the chat. To do this, it will need more detailed context and description. Based on this information, it will reformulate the data into IPTC field format, according to the instructions provided. However, it is essential to explicitly state that you will not be sending any images and that you want it to provide the description without visual support.
Verification and corrections
Generating IPTC fields can take a few seconds. I usually use this time to prepare my next request. Once the metadata has been generated, it is ready to be copied and pasted into Lightroom or any other image management software. In 99% of cases, the generated fields are directly usable. However, it is recommended that you check them systematically to correct any errors or add any information that the assistant was unable to deduce.
Remember, THE IPTC ASSISTANT is like an intern. It can save you a lot of time, but trust does not exclude verification.
It is also recommended that you use a different chat for each report subject.
The metadata generated by IPTC ASSISTANT can now be embedded directly into your images, without having to copy each field one by one into Lightroom, Photo Mechanic, Bridge or any other software.
The usual process remains the same. You upload your photo, IPTC ASSISTANT generates the 9 IPTC fields, and you now have two options.
For a RAW file, the IPTC ASSISTANT can create an associated XMP file containing the generated metadata. If your photo already has an XMP file containing your development settings, you can also send it so that the new metadata is added to it without deleting the existing information.
For a JPEG, the IPTC ASSISTANT can embed the metadata directly into a copy of the file. The photograph is neither recreated nor recompressed; only the metadata is added.
Simply ask for ‘XMP please’ or ‘JPEG please’ after generation. You can also specify this from your very first request (in any case, we remain polite and say ‘please’).
If you are working with a RAW file
Once the file has been generated, simply enter:
XMP stp
The IPTC Assistant creates an .xmp file with the same name as your RAW file.
Example:
DSC_1234.NEF
DSC_1234.xmp
Place both files in the same folder.
If the RAW file is not yet in your Lightroom catalogue, the metadata can be retrieved during import. If it is already in Lightroom, use the Metadata > Read Metadata from File function.
Please note: if an XMP file already exists, it may contain your Lightroom or Camera Raw settings. In this case, send the RAW file and its existing XMP file to the IPTC ASSISTANT. The assistant will add the new metadata to this file whilst retaining the existing information.
The final XMP file will retain the same name as the RAW file so that it is recognised correctly by your software.
If you are working with a JPEG
Simply ask:
JPEG please
The IPTC ASSISTANT provides you with a copy of the JPEG with the IPTC/XMP metadata embedded directly into the file.
You can then share this JPEG, import it into your software or upload it to a platform compatible with IPTC metadata.
The photograph itself is not altered: there is no new compression or visual modification of the image.
