Using MetaMagic
How it works
MetaMagic uses OpenAI's latest vision AI to analyse each photo and generate IPTC keywords, a title, and a caption. These are written directly into the Lightroom Classic catalog — no copy & paste, no switching apps. It works on single photos or entire batches.
Yes — this is one of MetaMagic's biggest advantages over simpler tools. The AI doesn't just label your photo with generic terms like "bird" or "flower". It identifies specific species (Great Blue Heron, Ophrys apifera), vehicle models (1967 Ford Mustang), architectural styles, musical instruments, rare plants, insects, and much more. For wildlife, nature, and specialist stock photographers, this means keywords that are actually precise and searchable — not vague labels that bury your photos.
There is no hard limit on batch size. Based on our testing, we recommend processing up to 100 photos at a time for best performance. Each photo typically takes 3–10 seconds depending on your computer and internet connection. Larger batches work fine — they just take proportionally longer.
No. You buy credits directly on the MetaMagic website. There is no need to create or manage an OpenAI API account — everything is handled through the plugin.
Yes. MetaMagic works on both macOS and Windows with Lightroom Classic. Installation is identical on both platforms via the Plugin Manager in Lightroom.
MetaMagic supports all RAW and non-RAW formats that Lightroom Classic supports, including: DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, NRW, ARW, SR2, RAF, ORF, RW2, PEF, MOS, ERF, 3FR, IIQ, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and PNG.
Credits & Pricing
Billing
No. Credits never expire. Buy a pack and use it at your own pace — no pressure.
MetaMagic uses OpenAI's vision AI — a significantly more capable model than the lightweight classifiers or stripped-down AI used by free alternatives. OpenAI Vision AI understands context, recognizes landmarks, reads mood, and writes natural-language captions. The difference is visible in the quality of the output. Try the 20 free generations and compare on your own photos before deciding.
No subscription. MetaMagic is pay-as-you-go — buy a credit pack when you need it. No monthly charges, no automatic renewals.
Go to the Buy Credits page, enter your Customer Code, and click "Check balance." Your current credit balance will be displayed.
Privacy & Data
Your photos are yours
No. Your full RAW files never leave your computer. MetaMagic exports a compressed JPEG preview (max 1000px) which is sent to the OpenAI API for analysis — then discarded. MetaMagic's own servers never store, log, or retain your images at any point. You can verify this: the plugin deletes the temporary export file immediately after sending.
No. According to OpenAI's API Data Usage Policy, data sent via the API is not used to train AI models (this has been the case since March 2023). Any temporary processing logs are automatically deleted within 30 days. Your photos are used solely to generate the metadata response — nothing else.
Only if you enable the GPS context option. When enabled, the latitude/longitude from your photo's EXIF data is sent as part of the prompt to improve keyword accuracy. You can disable this option at any time in the plugin settings if you prefer not to share location data.
Usage
Guidelines
Users are required to use the plugin responsibly. Submitting illegal, offensive, or inappropriate content may result in suspension or permanent termination of account access. Severe misuse may result in legal action.
Use the contact form or email us at [email protected]. We typically reply within 24 hours.
Still have questions?
Or just try MetaMagic yourself — 20 free generations, no credit card needed.