Searching and organizing clips with metadata
Metadata allows clips in the clip library to be organized and located efficiently. Reeltime provides several mechanisms for browsing and searching clips based on recorded metadata and annotations.
This article explains how to structure the clip library using labels and smart groups and how to locate clips using text search and visual browsing.
1. Organizing clips with labels and smart groups#
Labels#
Labels categorize clips according to their recording context. Each clip in the library can be assigned a color-coded label.
By default, Reeltime assigns labels automatically for common media types:
- Recorded Takes – movie recordings
- Rehearsal – recordings created during rehearsal
- Reference – created still images
- Composite Recording – composite recordings
- Imported Media – media imported into the project
These labels help separate recorded takes from rehearsal material, reference images, composite recordings, or externally imported clips.
Label names are customizable in Label Names in the library settings. Automatic label assignment can be configured in Automatic Label Assignment. These settings are project-dependent.
Smart groups#
Smart groups organize the clip library using metadata fields. They create a hierarchical structure that allows clips to be browsed according to selected metadata categories.
The default smart group layout organizes clips using the following hierarchy:
Label → Scene → Shot → Take
Within each label category, clips are further structured using the slate metadata fields Scene, Shot, and Take.
Different smart group layouts can be used depending on the available metadata. For example, clips may also be grouped by:
- Day / Night
- Location
- Camera
Changing the smart group layout restructures the clip library according to the selected metadata fields.
2. Searching clips using metadata#
The text search field in the clip library allows clips to be located using metadata values.
The search includes:
- clip metadata fields
- comments
- marker annotations
- in/out range annotations
This allows clips to be located using descriptive information entered during recording or review.
Search results update dynamically while entering text.
3. Locating annotated segments in clips#
Annotations attached to markers or in/out ranges can also be used to locate specific segments within clips.
Open the Info detail view to see the metadata of the selected clip. Switch to the In/Out Ranges and Markers tab to view all markers and annotated ranges.
If a search result matches an annotation, the corresponding entry appears in the list. Use the arrow button next to the entry to reveal the corresponding frame or range in the clip.
This allows direct navigation to the annotated segment.
4. Browsing clips visually#
In addition to metadata-based browsing, clips can also be located visually.
The collection view displays clips as large thumbnails, allowing quick visual scanning of the library.
Clips can also be skimmed to preview their content and locate specific actions within a clip. Double-clicking a clip loads the corresponding recording for playback at the exact frame of the skim-head’s position.
Conclusion#
Reeltime provides several mechanisms for organizing and locating clips in the clip library. Labels and smart groups structure the library based on metadata, while text search and visual browsing allow clips and annotated segments to be located quickly. Combined with consistent metadata entry, these tools support efficient navigation of recorded material during review workflows.