Filmetadata

Filmetadata refers to information that describes a digital file and is used to manage, discover, and preserve it. It encompasses technical metadata such as file format, size, creation and modification dates, and checksum; descriptive metadata such as title, author, subjects, and keywords; and administrative metadata including rights, access restrictions, provenance, and preservation events.

Metadata can be embedded in the file header or container (for example EXIF and IPTC in images, ID3 in audio, PDF metadata) or stored in separate sidecar files or databases (XMP, RDF, or database records). Some file systems support extended attributes or alternative data streams to attach metadata externally. This separation or embedding supports flexible workflows, interoperability, and long-term maintenance.

Standards commonly used in filmetadata include Dublin Core for descriptive metadata, PREMIS for preservation metadata, and METS for packaging and transport. XMP provides a widely adopted framework for interoperable metadata, while domain-specific formats such as EXIF and ID3 encode technical and descriptive details for images and audio.

Uses include enabling efficient search and organization, supporting rights management and access control, and providing provenance and audit trails. In archival and digital preservation contexts, metadata supports fixity checks, format migration planning, and documentation of the file’s history and authenticity.

Privacy and security considerations are important, as metadata can reveal sensitive information (locations, authorship, ownership). Sanitization or redaction may be necessary when sharing files publicly.

See also: metadata, file systems, digital preservation, data governance.