Using the Entagged with Sony cameras

Table of contents

• Overview
• Why Entagged code disappears
• How to preserve code on Mac
• How to preserve code on Windows
• The takeaway

Overview

On Sony cameras the code that the Entagged sends to the camera is stored in a non-standard EXIF field called "ImageID" (EXIF Tag 0x2043). GotPhoto automatically detects this field in JPG files uploaded directly from the camera.

However, when exporting images from Lightroom, converting RAW files, or making edits in other applications, this field is often removed from the metadata. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you shoot in RAW.

To prevent the code from getting stripped from your photos, we offer a script that copies the code from the "ImageID" field to the "UserComment" field, which remains intact during editing and is visible in Lightroom’s metadata view as well as other image editing tools.

[Optional] Additionally, the script can rename files to include the code that the Entagged saves in the metadata.

Why Entagged code disappears

Many image editing tools do not retain non-standard metadata fields like "ImageID". This includes Lightroom and RAW converters, which can strip this field during export. As a result, Entagged codes may be lost unless copied to a safer field before editing begins.

How to preserve code on Mac

1. Install ExifTool:
   1. Download the latest "MacOS Package" from ExifTool.org
   2. Open the .dmg file by double-clicking it.
   3. Run the installer by double-clicking on the .pkg file. If you get a warning about an unidentified developer, Ctrl+click (or right-click) the file and select Open, then click Open again.
   4. Complete the installation. No app will open, but ExifTool will now be available to use.
2. Download the Mac script: EntaggedCopyToUserCommentAndRename.zip
   1. Double-click to unpack the zip file.
   2. [Optional] Move the EntaggedCopyrightToUserComment.app to your Applications folder.
3. Run the script:
   1. Start the app by double-clicking it. If you get a warning about an unidentified developer, Ctrl+click (or right-click) the file and select Open, then click Open again.
   2. Follow the prompts to select the image folder.
4. Verify metadata:
   • Open an image in Preview.
   • Go to Inspector > Exif tab and check that the UserComment field contains the code.

How to preserve code on Windows

1. Download the script: EntaggedCopyToUserCommentAndRename-Windows.zip
2. Double-click to unpack the zip file. Inside, find the EntaggedCopyToUserCommentAndRename.cmd file - it includes detailed instructions.
3. Run the script:
   • Drag and drop your image file or folder onto the .cmd file.
4. Open the .cmd file in Notepad to edit these options:
   • Enable or disable file renaming
   • Generate a CSV file listing filenames and codes

The takeaway

Using this script, you can now use the Entagged with Sony cameras and avoid losing codes from your images during editing. This ensures a smooth workflow and accurate metadata retention.