Embed Credentials and Preserve History in AI Visuals
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Embed content credentials in your AI-generated visuals to maintain ownership records
- Edit and preserve metadata that travels with your images
- Choose the right export settings to maintain image quality from Photoshop to Wix
- Apply transparency principles to build trust with your audience
Introduction
When you create AI-generated artwork, keeping track of its origins and your edits matters more than you might think. Your audience wants to know what they're looking at, and you need to protect your work. This chapter shows you how to embed ownership information, preserve editing history, and export your visuals properly. These skills help you stay transparent about your creative process whilst protecting your rights as the creator.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Adding Content Credentials in Wix
Content credentials are like a digital signature for your images. They tell viewers who created the work and when. Here's how to add them in Wix:
Step 1: Click on your image in the Wix editor
Step 2: Select the settings icon that appears
Step 3: Click on 'Alt Text & SEO'
Step 4: Fill in the description field with your credentials
Step 5: Add copyright information in the format "© 2024 Your Name"
The description field is your main tool for embedding basic credential information. Include your name, the creation date, and whether AI tools were used. This information helps search engines understand your content and gives viewers context about your work.
Lesson 2: Managing Metadata in Photoshop
Photoshop lets you embed detailed information directly into your image files. This metadata stays with your images even after you upload them to Wix.
Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop
Step 2: Go to File > File Info
Step 3: Fill in the Basic tab with:
- Document Title
- Author name
- Description (mention AI tools used)
- Keywords related to your work
Step 4: Switch to the IPTC tab for copyright information
Step 5: Add your copyright notice and contact details
The metadata you add here travels with your image file. When someone downloads your image from Wix, they'll see this information if they check the file properties.
Lesson 3: Choosing Export Settings
Getting your images from Photoshop to Wix without losing quality takes the right export settings. Here's what works best:
For graphics with solid colours or text:
Step 1: Go to File > Export > Export As
Step 2: Choose PNG format
Step 3: Set quality to 100%
Step 4: Keep 'Convert to sRGB' ticked
Step 5: Click Export
For photographic images:
Step 1: Go to File > Export > Export As
Step 2: Choose JPEG format
Step 3: Set quality between 80-90%
Step 4: Keep 'Convert to sRGB' ticked
Step 5: Click Export
PNG files keep all your image data but create larger files. JPEG files are smaller but lose some detail. Pick PNG for graphics and logos, JPEG for photos and complex AI artwork.
Practice
Take one of your recent AI-generated images and add proper credentials to it. Open the image in Photoshop and fill in the File Info sections with your details. Export the image using the settings above, then upload it to a Wix site. Check that your metadata is preserved by right-clicking the published image and selecting 'Properties' or 'Get Info'.
FAQs
How can I check if my metadata is working on Wix?
After uploading your image, right-click on it in a web browser and select 'Properties' or 'View Image Info'. Your metadata should appear there.
Which file format keeps the most metadata?
PNG and TIFF formats preserve metadata best, but JPEG also keeps most essential information. Avoid heavily compressed formats if metadata is important.
Can visitors see my metadata on Wix?
Basic metadata like alt text appears on your site. Detailed metadata from Photoshop stays in the file but visitors need to download the image and check its properties to see it.
Should I always mention AI tools in my metadata?
Yes, transparency about AI involvement builds trust with your audience and helps you stay ahead of platform policies that may require AI disclosure.
Jargon Buster
Metadata: Hidden information stored in image files that describes the content, creator, and technical details
Provenance: The documented history of who created, owned, or modified a piece of digital artwork
Content credentials: Information embedded in digital files that proves authorship and tracks the creation process
IPTC data: A specific type of metadata standard used by photographers and content creators to embed copyright and contact information
Wrap-up
Adding credentials and preserving metadata might seem like extra work, but it protects your creative output and builds trust with your audience. When people can see you're transparent about your process, they're more likely to value your work. Start with basic information in your File Info panel, then build up more detailed metadata as you get comfortable with the process.
Your next step is to create a standard template for your metadata so you can apply consistent information across all your projects.