About the File Metadata Attributes Reference

File meta-data provides a collection of standard metadata attributes that are used by most files. Querying these standard attribute keys makes it easier to search based on standard metadata data. The file metadata attributes are used when performing searching or writing Spotlight importers on OS X. Metadata searches can be performed on local and network volumes when using OS X, and on iCloud when using iOS as well as OS X.

iCloud defines its own set of metadata attributes that are available only when files are stored, or transferring to or from, iCloud. These are defined in iCloud Metadata Attributes.

Who Should Read This Document

You should read this document if you are creating metadata search queries to locate files. You should also use the standard Spotlight metadata attribute keys if writing a Spotlight importer. It is important to use existing keys whenever possible. Avoid creating new metadata keys if an existing key would be appropriate. For example, if your document tracks the photographer of an image, use the kMDItemAuthors key rather than defining a custom photographer key.All applications that support saving their own documents should consider providing a Spotlight importer using these metadata attribute keys.

The iCloud metadata attributes provide information on the status of files as they are uploaded and downloaded from iCloud. The abilities include checking for downloading or uploading status and tracking the upload and download percentages.

Organization of This Document

This article contains descriptions of the metadata attribute keys that Apple provides:

• Spotlight Metadata Attributes describes Spotlight’s standard metadata attributes.

• iCloud Metadata Attributes list the metadata attributes that are only available to files that are iCloud specific.