Keywording

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Keywording Documentation

Introduction to Efficient Keywording

Keywording is a critical aspect of stock photography management. Effective keywords increase discoverability and sales potential of your images. This documentation explains how to use Phototager's advanced keywording features, particularly for working with iStock, Getty Images, and similar platforms.

The Challenge with Stock Photo Keywords

Stock photography platforms like iStock and Getty Images use specialized keywords that can be difficult to generate automatically. These platforms have specific requirements for keywords, including:

  • Hierarchy of importance
  • Specific naming conventions
  • Controlled vocabulary terms
  • Specific concepts relevant to commercial stock photography

Batch Keywording Feature

Phototager offers a powerful batch keywording solution that allows you to apply keywords to multiple images simultaneously, making your workflow significantly more efficient.

How It Works

  1. Select Multiple Images: Select a group of similar images by clicking on them while holding Ctrl/Cmd or Shift.
  2. Manage Keywords: Use the keywords sidebar on the right to view, add, or delete keywords for all selected images.
  3. Bulk Apply Keywords: Any keywords you add or remove will be applied to all selected images simultaneously.

Efficient Workflow with iStock/Getty

Here's a recommended workflow for keywording images for iStock, Getty, or similar platforms:

  1. Group Similar Images: Select images with similar content (e.g., all images showing "business people in a meeting").
  2. Find Reference Image: Locate a similar, well-keyworded image on iStock or Getty Images.
  3. Copy Reference Keywords: Copy relevant keywords from the reference image.
  4. Apply to Selected Group: Paste or manually add these keywords to your selected group in Phototager.
  5. Customize as Needed: Add or remove specific keywords as needed for individual images.

Keywords Sidebar Features

The keywords sidebar provides several tools to make batch keywording easier:

  • View All Keywords: See all keywords from selected images.
  • Add New Keywords: Add keywords that will apply to all selected images.
  • Remove Keywords: Delete keywords from all selected images at once.
  • Keyword Count: Track how many keywords are applied.

Automatic Keyword Management

Phototager automatically handles several aspects of keyword management:

  • Duplicates: Prevents duplicate keywords
  • Sorting: Displays keywords in alphabetical order
  • Validation: Ensures keywords meet platform requirements
  • Limits: Respects the 50-keyword limit for most platforms

Advanced Keywording Tips

  1. Start with Core Keywords: Begin with the most important descriptive keywords.
  2. Include Conceptual Keywords: Add conceptual terms like "teamwork", "leadership", "success".
  3. Add Technical Details: Include photography-specific keywords like "horizontal", "indoors", "selective focus".
  4. Consider Emotions: Add emotional keywords like "happiness", "concentration", "determination".
  5. Think About Usage: Include keywords related to potential commercial usage.

Upcoming Auto-Keywording Features

We are developing an automated system that will:

  1. Analyze your images
  2. Find similar images on stock platforms
  3. Extract and suggest appropriate keywords
  4. Allow quick application of these keywords to your images

This feature is currently in development and will make your keywording process even more efficient in the future.

Keyboard Shortcuts

For efficient keywording, use these keyboard shortcuts:

  • Ctrl/Cmd + Click: Select multiple individual images
  • Shift + Click: Select a range of images
  • Ctrl/Cmd + A: Select all images in the project
  • Esc: Deselect all images
  • Enter (in keyword input): Add the keyword to all selected images

Best Practices

  1. Be Specific: Use specific terms rather than general ones
  2. Be Thorough: Include all relevant aspects of the image
  3. Be Consistent: Use the same terminology across similar images
  4. Focus on Searchability: Think about what buyers might search for
  5. Batch Process: Always keyword similar images together for efficiency

Troubleshooting

  • Keywords Not Saving: Ensure you press Enter after adding each keyword
  • Too Many Keywords: Stock sites typically limit to 50 keywords per image
  • Duplicate Keywords: The system automatically prevents duplicates
  • Special Characters: Some platforms don't accept special characters in keywords

Getting Support

If you encounter any issues with the keywording feature, please contact support at: - Email: support@phototager.com