Support | MetaData Builder

Welcome to MetaData Builder Support

Thank you for using MetaData Builder! This support page is designed to help you get the most out of the app by providing detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you're a new user or an experienced metadata manager, you'll find everything you need to streamline your workflow.

Getting Started

Installation:
- Download the latest MetaData Builder release from the official site.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Launching the App:
- After installation, open MetaData Builder from your applications menu or desktop shortcut.
- On first launch, you may be prompted to allow permissions for file access.
Navigating the Interface:
- The main dashboard presents a sidebar with sections: Basic Information, Distribution Template, Readiness Checklist, Cue Point Editor, and Caption Toolkit (if enabled).
- Use the sidebar or navigation buttons to move between sections.

Using the App

1. Basic Information Entry

Title: Enter the full title of your media.
Example: The Great Adventure
Year: Four-digit release year.
Example: 2023
Runtime: Duration in minutes.
Example: 95
Genres: Select or enter genres separated by commas.
Example: Drama, Adventure
Synopsis: Provide a brief summary (max 500 characters).
Poster URL: Enter a valid image URL (JPG or PNG).
Example: https://example.com/posters/greatadventure.jpg
Cast & Crew: Add names and roles.
Example:
- Jane Doe – Director
- John Smith – Lead Actor
Languages: List spoken and subtitle languages.
Example: English, Spanish (Subtitles)

2. Distribution Template Selection

Choose from supported distributor templates (e.g., Netflix, Amazon, iTunes).
Templates adjust required fields and export formatting automatically.
Tip: Select the distributor before entering detailed metadata to ensure all required fields are visible.

3. Readiness Checklist

Review the checklist to ensure all critical metadata is complete.
Items include: poster image, synopsis, genre, runtime, rating, cue points, captions, etc.
Incomplete items are highlighted for quick correction.

4. Cue Point Editor

Add, edit, or remove cue points for chapter markers, ad breaks, or interactive features.
Fields:
- Timecode: Enter as HH:MM:SS (e.g., 00:10:15).
- Label: Name or description of the cue (e.g., "Act 2 Start").
- Type: (Optional) E.g., "Chapter", "Ad Break".
Cue points are included in exports (CSV/JSON) as per distributor requirements.

5. Caption Toolkit (if enabled)

Import, edit, or generate caption/subtitle files (SRT, VTT).
Validate timing and text for accessibility compliance.
Export captions in required formats for distributors.

Exporting & Importing Metadata

Exporting

Click the Export button and select your preferred format:
- CSV: Standard comma-separated values file. Compatible with spreadsheet editors and distributor portals.
- JSON: Machine-readable format for API integration or advanced workflows.
- Distributor Template: Exports in the exact format required by the selected distributor (e.g., Netflix, Amazon).

CSV Example:

Title,Year,Runtime,Genres,PosterURL
The Great Adventure,2023,95,Drama|Adventure,https://example.com/posters/greatadventure.jpg

Importing

Use the Import button to upload an existing CSV or JSON metadata file.
Fields will auto-populate; review for accuracy before exporting.

Integration Guide

Export your metadata in JSON or distributor format.

Streaming Apps/Websites:

Use the provided API endpoint to upload your metadata:

POST https://yourstreamingplatform.com/api/metadata
Content-Type: application/json

{
    "title": "The Great Adventure",
    "year": 2023,
    "runtime": 95,
    "genres": ["Drama", "Adventure"],
    "poster_url": "https://example.com/posters/greatadventure.jpg"
    // ... additional fields
}

Refer to your platform’s API documentation for authentication and required fields.

Automation: Integrate with CI/CD pipelines by scripting export and upload steps.

AI Assistance

Metadata Suggestions: The AI engine can auto-suggest values for fields such as synopsis, genres, and cast based on your title and uploaded assets.
Validation: AI checks for missing or inconsistent metadata and highlights issues in real time.
Tip: Use the AI Assist button next to each field for instant suggestions.

Troubleshooting

Missing Fields: Ensure all required fields (marked with *) are filled. The Readiness Checklist will highlight missing or incomplete data.
CSV Import Errors: Check that your CSV uses the correct headers and encoding (UTF-8). Refer to the export example above.
Poster URL Validation: Only PNG and JPG URLs are accepted. Test the URL in your browser.
App Crashes: Restart the app. If the issue persists, clear the cache or reinstall the application.
Entitlement Issues: If premium features are locked, verify your license or subscription status from the Account menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use MetaData Builder for TV series as well as films?: Yes, the app supports both single-title and episodic metadata. Select "Series" in the Basic Information section to enable episode fields.
How do I update my exported metadata?: Re-import your CSV/JSON, make changes, and export again. Always save a backup before overwriting distributor files.
Does the app support multiple languages?: Yes, you can specify multiple spoken and subtitle languages in the Basic Information section.
What if my distributor isn’t listed?: You can create a custom template or contact support to request distributor support.
Is my data stored locally or in the cloud?: By default, all data is stored locally on your device. Cloud sync is optional and requires enabling in settings.

Contact Support

Need more help? Reach out to our support team:

Email: support@metadatabuilder.io
Support Form: Submit a request

We aim to respond within 1 business day.