Setup

Getting started with Caption Caddie, a native macOS app for AI sports photo captioning. Mac only (macOS 15 or later).

System requirements

  • macOS 15 or later
  • Google Gemini API key (for cloud AI detection and captioning; you bring your own key)
  • Photo Mechanic (recommended for culling, editing, and wire XMP templates)

IPTC/XMP metadata write is built in. No separate ExifTool or Homebrew install required.

Connect Google Gemini

Caption Caddie uses your own Google Gemini API key for cloud jersey detection and captioning. You create the key in Google AI Studio, paste it once in Settings (⌘,), and pay Google directly for usage, about $4 for 2,500 images in real-world testing.

  1. Open Caption Caddie and go to Settings (⌘,).
  2. Enter your Google Gemini API key.
  3. Keys are stored securely in the macOS Keychain, not in plain text on disk.
  4. Check Settings → Stats for session, month, and lifetime usage with exact and estimated cost.
Caption Caddie Stats with lifetime Gemini cost and image processing metrics
Real-world testing: 2,467 images processed, ~$3.98 to $4.02 estimated Gemini API cost (gemini-3.1-flash-lite).
Caption Caddie Gemini usage panel with lifetime cost breakdown
Lifetime usage: 2,467 photos for $3.98 estimated, with a direct link to Google AI Studio spend.

Bring-your-own-key pricing keeps the app affordable. AI usage stays on your Google account instead of being bundled into a subscription. See our privacy policy for how images are processed.

Caption workflow tips

  • Photo Mechanic first: cull, crop, edit, and apply wire XMP templates before importing to Caption Caddie.
  • Teams: build rosters manually or import via CSV, JSON, Photo Mechanic text, or ESPN URL.
  • Matchups & Events: create a matchup, attach rosters, set jersey colors, then make it active.
  • Session: import images via drag-and-drop, watch folder, or File → Import Images.
  • Press ⌘↩ to write approved captions to IPTC/XMP on your files, then FTP as usual.