XMP Templates Guide

XMP Templates let you define default metadata values that are automatically applied to images when they're uploaded via FTP. Instead of manually entering the same credit line, copyright notice, or other fields for every image, you set them once in a template.

Templates support dynamic variables that are replaced with actual values. DeadlineFTP uses two variable formats:

• $wiredate - Evaluates immediately when you type it (inserts current value)
• $$wiredate - Evaluates when the file is uploaded (uses image's capture date)

For compatibility reasons, DeadlineFTP will translate Photo Mechanic variables ({wiredate} in curly braces) to the equivalent $$wiredate format.

Use these variables in any XMP template field. Use $variable for immediate evaluation (current value) or $$variable for deferred evaluation (uses image's EXIF capture date when available, or current date as fallback).

Photo Mechanic syntax {variable} is also supported and behaves like $$variable.

Date Variables

Time Variables

File Variables

EXIF/Camera Variables

Image Dimension Variables

GPS Variables

These IPTC/XMP fields can be configured in templates and edited in the gallery. Organizations can choose which fields to enable.

Organization administrators control which XMP fields are available and the order they appear in the gallery. These settings apply to all users in the organization, ensuring a consistent captioning workflow across the team.

How Field Ordering Works

• Admins select fields - Choose which metadata fields are relevant for your workflow
• Admins set the order - Drag fields to arrange them in the order you want them to appear
• Order applies everywhere - The field order is consistent across desktop gallery, mobile gallery, and image edit modals
• All users see the same fields - Photographers and editors see the same fields in the same order

Configuring Fields (Admin Only)

1. Go to Organization Settings in the admin dashboard
2. Select the XMP Template tab
3. Use the checkboxes to enable or disable fields
4. Drag fields to reorder them (drag handle on the left)
5. Click Save Template to apply changes

For Organization Admins

Organization-wide default templates are configured in the admin dashboard:

1. Go to Organization Settings
2. Select the XMP Template tab
3. Enable the fields you want to use
4. Enter default values for each field (use variables as needed)
5. Click Save Template

For Individual Photographers

Each photographer can have their own template that overrides the organization defaults:

1. Open the gallery and select a photographer from the dropdown
2. Click the menu icon (three dots) in the header
3. Select "Load XMP Data"
4. Toggle "Auto-Apply Template" to enable automatic application
5. Edit field values as needed
6. Click Save

News/Wire Service Template

Sports Photography Template

Event Photography Template

When Auto-Apply Template is enabled for a photographer, their XMP template is automatically applied to every image they upload via FTP. This happens instantly when the file arrives.

How Auto-Apply Works

1. Image arrives via FTP from photographer's camera
2. System checks if auto-apply is enabled for that photographer
3. Template values are applied with variables replaced
4. Image appears in gallery with metadata already filled in

• Use variables for dates - Always use $$year4 or $$wiredate instead of hardcoding years
• Keep copyright consistent - Use the same copyright format across all photographers
• Set location fields - Pre-fill city/state/country if shooting at a known venue
• Use category codes - IPTC category codes (SPO, POL, FIN, etc.) help with wire service routing
• Leave caption empty - Captions are usually unique per image; fill them in the gallery with Quick Text
• Test before events - Upload a test image to verify template values look correct
• Document your templates - Keep a record of what variables you're using and why