Should I export with metadata?

[boelens218]

Hello,

I record my photos in RAW+JPEG on my camera. I don't do anything with the RAW files other than keep them right now. I edit the JPEG files (finalize them) and export with Affinity Photo. I need help deciding if I should export the JPEG files with or without metadata. Please share your personal preference. I'm trying to understand what is more common and why someone would choose one over the other. Like I said, I keep all the RAW files which have the original metadata from my camera. Therefore, I could always reference them if needed and not have the metadata for the JPEG files.  

I noticed when I export a JPEG, an Image ID, a Contrast value, a Saturation value and a Sharpness value are all added to the existing metadata. Please see the screenshot below. I would be more inclined to keeping the metadata if Affinity Photo did NOT do this. However, there does not seem to be a way to avoid this from happening. Affinity Photo does offer the option to export without any metadata though. I want to know, does this happen when exporting images with other software?

Originally, I was just going to export the JPEG files with the metadata knowing I can always remove it later if I wanted with Affinity Photo. However, this will compress the image again when doing so. Therefore, this is not an option and want to decide now. I know there is other software out there that can remove the metadata without compressing the image. However, I don't want to use other software and would rather decide on this now before editing the JPEG files.

Thank you,

[shadowsports]

Greetings , 

I shoot RAW+JPG too.  However, all of my editing is done on my RAW files.  You have much greater editing capability with RAW files (and creative control) than you do with .JPG's.  Once the edits are performed, I convert them to .JPG'S and export.  Metadata can be easily removed at any time In Windows or Mac OS, no special software is needed.  If you aren't editing your RAW files, you're missing out.  Just about any editor out there including Affinity Pro utilizes a non-destructive workflow.  

[boelens218]

Hello,

I tried editing my CR3 files with Affinity Persona and didn't like what it was doing. For example, it was not maintaining the aspect of my CR3 files. The images appeared distorted and therefore decided to just use the JPEGs from the camera. I'm doing simple editing for now, mainly just cropping. I can always go back and edit the cr3 files if I get different software in the future.

However, I'm reaching out specifically for metadata. I need help deciding if I should export the JPEG files with or without metadata. Please share your personal preference. I'm trying to understand what is more common and why someone would choose one over the other. Like I said, I keep all the RAW files which have the original metadata from my camera. Therefore, I could always reference them if needed and not have the metadata for the JPEG files.  

I noticed when I export a JPEG, an Image ID, a Contrast value, a Saturation value and a Sharpness value are all added to the existing metadata. Please see the screenshot below. I would be more inclined to keeping the metadata if Affinity Photo did NOT do this. However, there does not seem to be a way to avoid this from happening. Affinity Photo does offer the option to export without any metadata though. I want to know, does this happen when exporting images with other software?

[JFG]

Hu Boelens218,

🗂 Exporting With Metadata

✅ Pros:

• Preserves your shooting data: Great for learning, archiving, or sharing with other photographers
• Helps with search and organization: Keywords and ratings make sorting easier
• Useful for licensing and copyright: Embeds your ownership info
• Supports client workflows: Editors or buyers may need metadata for cataloging

🚫 Cons:

• Privacy concerns: GPS data or personal info may be exposed
• Larger file size: Slightly bulkier exports
• Not ideal for public sharing: Viewers can see your settings, location, and copyright info

🧼 Exporting Without Metadata

✅ Pros:

• Cleaner files for public use: No sensitive info like location or author name
• Smaller file size: Slightly faster uploads/downloads
• Better for social media or anonymous sharing

🚫 Cons:

• No embedded copyright: Risk of misuse or uncredited reposts
• Harder to organize later: No keywords or ratings
• Loses technical data: No way to review settings post-export

🧭 Boelens28, Use Case:  Print Sales

If you're building a print sales site and optimizing your dual-rig workflow, here’s a tailored suggestion:

• For web display or public sharing: Export without metadata, especially if GPS or author info isn’t needed.
• For licensing, archiving, or client delivery: Export with full metadata, including copyright and keywords.

You could even automate dual exports — one clean for public, one rich for internal use. Want help setting that up in Lightroom or Capture One? 

I hope this helps you to decide when to export with Metadata and when not to.

[boelens218]

Thanks for the detailed information. Well, I'm not using the copyright feature for my camera and never intend to. I was considering using it, but I found out that you can't add copyright information to existing CR3 files. For example, I was going to start using the copyright feature as long as I could apply the same information to the cr3 files I already have. However, I was told this can't be done. Therefore, I decided not to use the copyright feature because I don't want a mix of the two. 

I don't understand how exporting with metadata can be helpful for archiving and sorting. Again, I use Affinity Photo and that is it. Also, I have a r5 mark2 and understand there isn't any GPS values in the metadata for this camera. Therefore, copyright, GPS, archiving and sorting all do not apply to me. Is this correct?

Most importantly, I noticed when I export a JPEG in Affinity Photo, an Image ID, a Contrast value, a Saturation value and a Sharpness value are all added to the existing metadata. Please see the screenshot above. I would be more inclined to keeping the metadata if Affinity Photo did NOT do this. However, there does not seem to be a way to avoid this from happening. Affinity Photo does offer the option to export without any metadata though. I want to know, does this happen when exporting images with other software?

Thank you,