Names and dates make family photographs easier to understand, but the information should remain connected to the image when files are copied.
A practical way to begin
Record who identified the people and whether the date is exact or approximate.
Use a caption field supported by your software or a separate text index with matching file names.
Identify people consistently from left to right where that is helpful.
Export a sample and check whether the captions survive the move to another device.
For example
An index entry can list the file name, people shown, approximate location and the relative who supplied the identification.
What to avoid
Avoid assuming an app's tags will travel with an exported image. Keep an independent copy of important captions.
Should I keep the original material?
Yes. Keep an untouched source and work with copies. A finished album, transcript or edited video serves a different purpose from the original material. Check that your saved copies open, and keep important context such as names and dates alongside them.
Related family guides
- How to Sort Family Photos When You Do Not Know the Dates
- How to Name Family Photo Files So Relatives Can Find Them
A personal keepsake, if it fits your plans
If you decide to turn a selection of family photos or videos into a physical keepsake, you can explore Forever Orb. Keep the original files and a separate backup; a display gift is not your archive.
