Installing the pic4press panel

BAPLA/pic4press metadata panel (click image to view)

Metadata is information embedded in a digital file as XML data which can be read by Photoshop and other XMP-compliant software. There are many different metadata schemas in use, each numbering dozens of fields which can have subtly different descriptive labels despite overlapping usages.

This can be an obstacle to taking advantage of the usefulness and power of metadata, so PPA in association with the British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies has put together a Photoshop CS-compatible metadata panel that contains a subset of common fields to use as an entry point.

Each field maps to its logical IPTC/XMP equivalent, therefore data entered will also display in IPTC or Adobe XML fields. If you are using older versions of Photoshop or alternative programmes, consult the table opposite and add data to the appropriate fields in the existing metadata panels. Metadata can be viewed under File>File Info in Photoshop. These fields are the minimum that should be filled in - additional fields should be filled in as necessary.

Installation

The panel is supplied either as a JavaScript for Photoshop or as a standalone text file. It can be downloaded from this site or the BAPLA site and loaded into Photoshop (CS versions). The BAPLA/pic4press installer script (loaded via File>Scripts>Browse) places the XMP panel into the common folder, which requires administration rights. If you do not have administration rights, or you only want the current user to have the XMP Panel, then copy the BAPLA.txt file to the following folder.

BAPLA/Pic4Press panel Installation
METHOD 1
If you have administration rights use the javascript to install the panel (see notes below)

Unzip the javascript (Always send the zipped version by email)

In Photoshop:
Go File/Scripts/Browse
Select the Javascript
Click ‘Load’
Click ‘Start’ to install Panel

It will install the panel over any previous version you have.

The installer script places the XMP Panel into the common folder, which requires administration rights.

Mac OSX:
//Library/Application Support/Adobe/XMP/Custom File Info Panels

Windows XP:
C:Program FilesCommon FilesAdobeXMPCustom File Info Panels

METHOD 2
If you do not have administration rights, or you only want the current user to have the XMP Panel, then copy the BAPLA.txt file to the following folder.

Mac OSX:
//Users/<user>/Library/Application Support/Adobe/XMP/Custom File Info Panels

Windows XP:
C:Documents and Settings<user>Application DataAdobeXMPCustom File
Info Panels

NB: <user> is the current user name.

We will be updating the script to make it easier for people without administration rights. Sign up to www.electriclane.co.uk for updates.