--- title: 'Adding custom metadata to files' description: 'How to store metadata with your files, from standard fields and custom metadata forms to technical metadata extracted from your media.' url: https://www.medialab.co/support/core/metadata/adding-custom-metadata-to-files --- # Adding custom metadata to files MediaLab provides several options to help you store and manage metadata alongside your files. ### User-Supplied Metadata By default, all Labs include standard fields such as **file title, description, reference, and tags**. In addition, custom metadata forms can be added using the visual **Metadata Template Editor**. These forms can include fields such as dates, dropdowns, or timestamps. With a custom metadata form: - All fields become searchable. - The form integrates with the FTP file transfer add-on to import or export XML metadata. - Advanced workflows can be set up by marking fields as **required**, ensuring uploaders complete the form before a file is uploaded. - Automated FTP deliveries are triggered as soon as all required metadata is available, making it easy to integrate MediaLab into your delivery flow. - Fields can be restricted to a minimum user level, hiding them from users who shouldn't see or edit them. > **Example fields:** attribution, time codes for breaks, producer name. Owners can build and change these fields themselves at any time, see the Metadata Template Editor article for how to set up groups, fields, and permissions. ### Technical Metadata Most files also include embedded metadata in the source. This can range from **ID3 tags** in audio files to **Exif data** in images. For all supported media types, MediaLab extracts relevant technical metadata and makes it available per file. To view this information, navigate to a file and open the **Info** dialog.