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johnclarkkenyon
Participant
July 27, 2026
Answered

How do I access metadata like the "description" or "Tape Name" fields of a clip in a sequence for export to a spreadsheet using Automation Blocks?

  • July 27, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 45 views

I have watched this video 

which tells you how to export some metadata to a spreadsheet, but it uses “Get Attribute Name” under “Sequence Clips.” Unfortunately, metadata fields like “Description,” “Tape Name,” “Scene,” etc. do not seem to be available there. Can someone tell me where to find them?

 

Many thanks!

    Correct answer Mathias Moehl

    You need to replace the Get Attribute of Project Item block with a different block: Get Metadata of Project Item.

    Find Get Metadata of Project Item in the Toolbox and drag it directly onto the existing Get Attribute of Project Item block to replace it.

    The metadata dropdown initially contains only a selection of commonly used metadata fields. If Description, Keywords, or another field is not listed:

    1. Select a clip in the active sequence that contains this metadata.

    2. Click the refresh icon next to the metadata dropdown.

    3. The dropdown will be updated with all metadata keys available for that clip.

    You can then read the selected metadata value and write it to the spreadsheet like any other text value.

    So yes, both Description and Keywords can be exported. You do not necessarily need to switch to Keywords if Description is the field you would prefer to use.

    5 replies

    Mathias Moehl
    Community Expert
    Mathias MoehlCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 27, 2026

    You need to use the “Get Metadata of Project Item”-Block instead of “Get Attribute of Project Item”.

    Mathias Möhl - Developer of tools like BeatEdit and Automation Blocks for Premiere Pro and After Effects
      J
      johnclarkkenyonAuthor
      Participant
      July 27, 2026

      Thank you for the prompt response. I don’t see any way to access the Description field in that Block, though I do see many of the other fields. Am I just missing it?

      I just saw your other tutorial on Keywords and am thinking that maybe I’ll use that field instead as I know Automation Blocks provides access to that one and presumably I can export a spreadsheet with the clip names and the info from the keywords field, which should do the trick as well.

      The problem I’m trying to solve is as follows: I have a sequence with a bunch of footage and images that I’ve found in various places on the internet. I’m looking to be able to tag each clip with a url or other descriptor and export a spreadsheet so that the archivist can track down rights and/or replacements as needed.

      J
      johnclarkkenyonAuthor
      Participant
      July 27, 2026

      Actually, I’m not now sure that the keyword field can be exported as a spreadsheet. Can you confirm? Thank you!

      Stan Jones
      Community Expert
      Stan JonesCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 27, 2026

      ​@Mathias Moehl 

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