FilmTracker Documentation

Complete guides for FilmTracker Desktop App and Lightroom Plugin

FilmTracker is available as two products: a standalone Desktop Application and a Lightroom Classic Plugin. Both products help you preserve detailed camera, lens, and film stock metadata for your analog photography.

Desktop App Documentation Lightroom Plugin Documentation
Desktop App

FilmTracker Desktop Application

What is FilmTracker Desktop?

FilmTracker Desktop is a professional standalone application for adding analog film photography metadata to your scanned digital files. It helps you track which camera, lens, and film stock you used for each frame.

Key Features

  • Complete metadata management for cameras, lenses, and film stocks
  • Visual filmstrip interface for frame-by-frame lens assignment
  • Advanced batch renaming with MetaRename tool
  • Erase Metadata tool for complete removal
  • Preset library with import/export capabilities
  • Works independently without requiring any other software

Installation (Desktop App)

macOS Installation

  1. Download the FilmTracker.dmg file from filmtracker.app
  2. Open the DMG file by double-clicking it
  3. Drag the FilmTracker app icon to your Applications folder
  4. First Launch: Right-click the app and select "Open" (required for unsigned apps)
  5. If you see a security warning, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway"

Windows Installation

  1. Download the FilmTracker installer (.exe or .msi) from filmtracker.app
  2. Run the installer by double-clicking it
  3. Follow the installation wizard
  4. Choose installation location (default: C:\Program Files\FilmTracker)
  5. Launch FilmTracker from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut

System Requirements

  • macOS: 10.15 (Catalina) or later, Intel or Apple Silicon
  • Windows: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended
  • Disk Space: 100MB for application
  • Internet: Required for license activation only

Desktop App Workflow

FilmTracker Desktop uses a step-by-step wizard that guides you through adding metadata:

1
Import Photos

Drag and drop scanned images

2
Enter Film Data

Choose film stock from presets or enter manually

3
Enter Camera Data

Select camera from presets or add new

4
Assign Lenses

Single lens or frame-by-frame assignment

5
Set Destination

Overwrite originals or copy to new location

6
Review & Apply

Write metadata to your files

Lightroom Plugin

FilmTracker Lightroom Classic Plugin

What is the Lightroom Plugin?

The FilmTracker Lightroom Plugin brings professional film metadata management directly into Adobe Lightroom Classic. Tag your scanned film images without leaving your catalog.

Key Features

  • Lightroom Library module integration (Plug-in Extras menu)
  • Full Camera, Film, and Lens preset management
  • Filmstrip view for frame-by-frame lens assignment
  • Batch processing of selected images
  • Works with your existing Lightroom catalog
  • Bundle users: Presets sync with Desktop App

Installation (Lightroom Plugin)

System Requirements

  • Lightroom: Adobe Lightroom Classic CC 2015 (6.0) or later
  • Operating System: macOS 11+ or Windows 10 64-bit+
  • Disk Space: 150MB
  • RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended

Installation Steps

  1. Download the FilmTracker Lightroom Plugin installer
  2. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions
  3. Enter your license key
  4. Restart Lightroom Classic
  5. Verify plugin is active in File → Plug-in Manager
  6. Access from Library → Plug-in Extras → FilmTracker

Lightroom Plugin Workflow

Using FilmTracker within Lightroom Classic:

1
Select Images

Choose images in Lightroom's Library Grid

2
Launch Plugin

Library → Plug-in Extras → FilmTracker

3
Apply Metadata

Use wizard to assign camera, film, and lenses

4
Continue Editing

Metadata written directly to catalog

Preset Management

Both Desktop App and Lightroom Plugin include comprehensive preset managers for cameras, films, and lenses.

Creating Presets

  • During Wizard: Check "Save as preset" when entering data
  • From Tools Menu: Access Camera/Film/Lens managers and click "Add New"

Using Presets

  • Click "Load from Preset" in any wizard step
  • Filter by format, type, or manufacturer
  • Search by name
  • Click preset to load it

Bundle Users

When you own both Desktop App and Lightroom Plugin (Bundle license), your presets automatically sync between both applications.

Metadata Standards

FilmTracker writes metadata using industry-standard formats:

EXIF

Camera make/model, lens specifications, ISO rating

IPTC

Keywords, categories (film stock type), copyright

XMP

Custom FilmTracker namespace for film-specific data

Compatibility

Metadata written by FilmTracker is fully compatible with:

  • Adobe Lightroom Classic/CC
  • Adobe Bridge
  • Capture One Pro
  • Photo Mechanic
  • Apple Photos
  • Any EXIF/XMP-compatible software

Frequently Asked Questions

Which version should I buy?

Desktop App: If you don't use Lightroom or want advanced tools like MetaRename and Erase Metadata
Lightroom Plugin: If you work exclusively in Lightroom Classic and prefer catalog-based workflows
Bundle: Get both with shared presets for maximum flexibility

Does the Lightroom Plugin require the Desktop App?

No, the plugin is completely standalone. However, the Bundle allows preset synchronization between both applications.

Can I upgrade from a single license to the Bundle later?

Yes! Contact support for upgrade pricing if you'd like to add the other application to your license.

What file formats are supported?

JPEG, TIFF, DNG, PNG, and most RAW formats including NEF, CR2/CR3, ARW, ORF, RAF, PEF, and SRW.

Does this work offline?

Yes! After initial license activation, both applications work completely offline. Images are processed locally on your computer.

Can I use this with Lightroom CC (cloud version)?

The plugin requires Lightroom Classic (desktop version). If you use Lightroom CC, use the Desktop App instead.

How many cameras/lenses/films can I add?

Unlimited. Build as large a preset database as you need.

Can I share presets with other users?

Yes! Export your preset libraries as JSON files and share with other FilmTracker users. Both Desktop and Plugin support preset import/export.

Troubleshooting

Desktop App Issues

App won't launch (macOS):
  • Right-click → Open (don't double-click)
  • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway
  • Or run in Terminal: xattr -cr /Applications/FilmTracker.app
App won't launch (Windows):
  • Run as administrator
  • Check Windows Defender hasn't quarantined it
  • Click "More info" → "Run anyway" if SmartScreen blocks it
Metadata writing fails:
  • Close files in other applications
  • Check files aren't read-only
  • Verify you have write permissions
  • Check Settings > ExifTool Status

Lightroom Plugin Issues

Plugin doesn't appear in menu:
  • Verify plugin is enabled in File → Plug-in Manager
  • Restart Lightroom Classic
  • Reinstall plugin using installer
License activation issues:
  • Ensure you're using the correct license type (Desktop, Plugin, or Bundle key)
  • Check internet connection during activation
  • Verify license key is entered correctly (case-sensitive)
  • Contact support if already activated on maximum devices

Get Support

Email Support

[email protected]

Bug Reports

[email protected]

Feature Requests

[email protected]

Before Contacting Support

  • Check this documentation and FAQ
  • Note your OS version and FilmTracker version
  • Include error messages if any
  • Describe steps to reproduce the issue