Finding the right metadata tool to suit your needs can be a tricky process but we’re here to help. One of the oldest metadata tools available, MetaBrowser predates most of the offerings we’ve covered previously. It’s also one of the most full featured metadata retrieval tools available, including support for actor images, backdrops and poster images. We’ve already covered the ins and outs of using MetaBrowser to download TV series metadata so let’s take a look at using it for movies.

Getting started with MetaBrowser is as simple as downloading the installation program from the website and installing. Afterwards run the program from the program menu, you’ll be presented with a minimal interface with the website on the right and a blank pane on the left. Press the Options button at the bottom of the left pane to add some movie folders.

Select the input box at the very top of the General tab to begin adding folders. Once you’ve selected a folder and pressed the OK button in the folder dialog box you’ll need to press enter in the main input box as well before the folder will be added. Also, be sure that the movie extensions and folders you’ll be using in your collection are added to the Search Options. Finally, if you’re using Media Browser be sure to include your ImagesByName folder so you can download actor images for each of your movies.

Saving the options and returning to the main window press the Refresh List button next to the options button to generate a listing of your available movies. To start fetching metadata select a movie from the list.

Once you’ve selected a movie you’ll see the current metadata for that movie appear on the right hand side of the screen. If you’d like to Fetch Metadata for just this movie start by selecting the Fetch Movie Metadata button on the far right. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to fetch metadata for your entire collection at once select the Process All Movies link directly above it.

Afterward you’ll be given a selection of movies to choose from that match your search. If the correct movie doesn’t appear you can revise your search with the search box at the top. Otherwise, select the movie from the listing and press the Select Movie button. Processing all movies will automatically select the top result for each movie and skip the selection process.

After the metadata has been downloaded you can change the details, poster art and backdrop images through the interface on the right. To select alternative artwork press the Fetch link below each image and you’ll be presented with a selection of artwork available for download from themoviedb.org database.

If you’re a Media Browser user and you selected your ImagesByName folder earlier in the options process you can download actor images as well. Simply press the Download Actor Images button located directly below the Save Metadata button.

Don’t forget to Save Metadata before leaving the movie’s display or your changes will be lost. That should be all there is to the basics of downloading movie metadata with MetaBrowser. There are, of course, a number of other options and possibilities available in the program so be sure to keep checking back to Hack7MC in the future for even more on using MetaBrowser and other metadata tools.