Photo Mechanic AI captioning workflow

Caption Caddie works with Photo Mechanic when you want it — and can run Cull through Delivery on its own.

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Photo Mechanic code replacement roster import in Caption Caddie
Import Photo Mechanic code replacement rosters directly into Caption Caddie.

Photo Mechanic still shines for stationery and codes

Photo Mechanic remains excellent for ingesting cards, applying wire IPTC templates, and maintaining code replacement libraries. Caption Caddie 2.0 does not require PM for Cull or Delivery — use it when that speed helps. After wire XMP dateline and credit are on file (from PM or elsewhere), Caption Caddie Session handles roster-aware captions, Approve, Quick Edit, and FTP/FTPES send.

Code replacement import and export

If you already build Photo Mechanic code replacement files for a game, import them into Caption Caddie's roster library. Export code replacements back to Photo Mechanic when you need them in PM's autocomplete fields. Your roster data works in both directions.

Wire XMP template merge

Wire shooters often apply dateline, credit, source, and keyword stationery in Photo Mechanic before captioning. Caption Caddie reads the wire XMP already on your file and patches the AI-generated caption body into your existing metadata template, fully customizable, so you do not lose the template work you already did in PM.

Supplemental metadata for non-jersey sports

Golf and other sports without traditional jersey numbers can use supplemental metadata fields in the matchup to steer the AI. Track and field shooters get bib name and number reading when those details are visible in the frame.

Wire XMP template merge for sports photography captions
Dateline and credit from Photo Mechanic wire XMP, merged with AI caption text.

One workflow: PM stationery → Caption Caddie Session

  1. Ingest cards (Photo Mechanic or elsewhere)
  2. Optionally apply wire XMP stationery in Photo Mechanic
  3. Open a Caption Caddie Session — Cull selects
  4. Caption, Approve, and Quick Edit as needed
  5. Deliver via FTP/FTPES and track Exported / Sent

See also: AI sports captioning and wire service captions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import Photo Mechanic code replacement rosters?

Yes. Import rosters from Photo Mechanic text, CSV, or JSON into Caption Caddie’s roster library. Export code replacements back to Photo Mechanic when you need them in PM’s autocomplete fields.

Does Caption Caddie overwrite my wire XMP dateline and credit?

No. Caption Caddie reads the wire XMP already on your file from Photo Mechanic and patches AI-generated caption text into your existing template fields. Dateline, credit, and keywords stay intact.

Where does Caption Caddie fit in my Photo Mechanic workflow?

One common path: shoot or ingest, apply wire XMP stationery in Photo Mechanic when you want it, then open a Caption Caddie Session to Cull, Caption, Quick Edit, Approve, and Deliver (FTP/FTPES). You can also run Cull and Delivery entirely inside Caption Caddie.

What about golf, track, and sports without jersey numbers?

Use supplemental metadata fields in your matchup to guide the AI with player names or event context. For track and field, Gemini reads bib names and numbers when visible in the frame.

Do I still need Photo Mechanic?

No — Caption Caddie 2.0 can handle the core deadline Session on its own. Photo Mechanic remains excellent for ingest, code replacements, and wire stationery when you already rely on it.

Does Caption Caddie write metadata back to my files?

Yes. After you Approve captions, Caption Caddie writes IPTC and XMP directly to your image files so Delivery / FTP pick up complete metadata.

Try Caption Caddie with your PM workflow

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