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Export / Import

Export titles, ratings, tags, and other metadata as CSV or JSON Lines, import them into another library, or copy the catalog file for backup.

Skagway Export Metadata sheet with CSV / JSON Lines and the Match keys, Importable, and Export only field sections
Skagway Export Metadata sheet with CSV / JSON Lines and the Match keys, Importable, and Export only field sections

Export Metadata… (⌥⌘E)

  1. File → Export Metadata… exports every video currently shown — filters and search included. Right-click → Export Metadata… exports just the selection.
  2. Pick CSV (for spreadsheets) or JSON Lines (for scripts and tools).
  3. Fields are grouped: Match keys (to find videos on import), Importable (written back), and Export only (read-only facts).
  4. Check the fields you want and drag to reorder within a section.
  5. Your format and field choices are remembered for next time.

Import Metadata… (⌥⌘I)

  1. File → Import Metadata… opens a CSV or JSON Lines export — the format is detected automatically.
  2. Rows match by Path, then Content Fingerprint, so a file that moved can still be found.
  3. Importable values update when they differ; tags are merged in, never removed.
  4. Unknown columns can be skipped or imported as new custom fields. A summary shows Matched / Updated / Unmatched.
  5. Touched videos appear in Last Metadata Import.

Save Copy… — back up the catalog

  1. File → Save Copy… writes a timestamped duplicate of the library file.
  2. The current library stays open. Save Copy keeps the original cache pointer — it does not create a second cache.
  3. Open a copy anytime with File → Open Library….

When to use which

  1. Save Copy… — a full snapshot before a big reorganization.
  2. Export + Import — move ratings and tags between libraries or Macs, or bulk-edit metadata in a spreadsheet and bring it back.
  3. Export alone — feed your library data to any external tool.
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