IMatch 2020.9 Upgrade Information

Changed Tag Names for ExifTool Composite Tags

In Version 12.03, ExifTool introduced changes to tag names in the Composite group. This affects some features in IMatch and requires some manual changes by you.

The Problem

Variables using old Composite tag names, like {File.MD.Composite\Exif::Aperture\Aperture}, no longer return data.

The Solution

The required change is simple. The :: in the group name has to be replaced with -

{File.MD.Composite\Exif::Aperture\Aperture\0} has to be changed to {File.MD.Composite\Exif-Aperture\Aperture\0}, {File.MD.Composite\Exif::ShutterSpeed\ShutterSpeed\0} to {File.MD.Composite\Exif-ShutterSpeed\ShutterSpeed\0} and so on.

Several features in IMatch are affected by the new Composite tag names.

ShortCodes

If you have used shortcodes for your variables, the new tag names are automatically used internally. No action on your part is required.

File Window Layouts

The standard Image Info layout uses two composite tags to display camera data. The standard layouts shipped with IMatch has been updated to incorporate the new tag names. But these are used only for new IMatch installations, not for existing installations.

A) You use the standard File Window layouts

In this case, can just re-import the standard layouts from disk.
See Importing File Window Layouts for more information.

The standard File Window layouts are found in C:\ProgramData\photools.com\IMatch6\Presets\system.imfwl.

Hold down Ctrl while importing to replace all existing formats.


B) You use your own layouts or have modified the standard layouts

If you have customized layouts or don't want to re-import the default layouts, you can update the existing layouts yourself.
If you use variables in custom templates, search for variables using one of the Composite tags and replace the :: in the group name with -

Examples

{File.MD.Composite\Exif::\Aperture\0} has to be changed to {File.MD.Composite\Exif-Aperture\Aperture\0}, {File.MD.Composite\Exif::ShutterSpeed\ShutterSpeed\0} changes to {File.MD.Composite\Exif-ShutterSpeed\ShutterSpeed\0} etc.

From all standard File Window layouts included in IMatch, only the Image Info layout needs to be updated.

These changes only affect variables based on Composite tags, not other variables using tags from XMP, IPTC, EXIF etc. groups.

File Window Tip

The standard File Window Tip uses two Composite variables. These variables have been updated in the File Window Tip included in IMatch. New IMatch installations automatically use the new tip.

A) You use the default File Window Tip

If you use the standard File Window Tip shipped with IMatch, you can just re-import them via the Import button in configuration dialog Edit > Preferences > File Window Tip. The default File Window Tip presets are in the C:\ProgramData\photools.com\IMatch6\Presets folder on your computer.

B) Manually Updating File Window Tip

If you have customized the File Window Tip on your system, search it for Composite variables and replace :: with -

Other Variables

If you have used variables from the Composite group elsewhere, e.g., in Design & Print templates, Import & Export features, the Batch Processor, Renamer etc., check the settings in the feature and if needed replace :: with - in Composite variables.

If you change variables, check if a shortcode variable is available. If you prefer shortcodes over actual tag names, you are shielded by future changes to tag names.