Some asset formats (e.g., JPEG) can store metadata. Cumulus can read, store and manage this metadata by linking it to record fields. The record fields are provided by the Cumulus application, the Asset Storage modules, Metadata modules, and the filters.
You can decide when the linking should happen (when cataloging assets and/or updating records), and whether changes to the metadata should be written back to the asset. Changed metadata can only be written back if this function is supported by the file format, the filter and Asset Storage module used for accessing the asset.
If the record field’s type is String, you can also decide whether the linking applies to all or only the first matching asset field. If the Read All option is activated, the values of the linked fields are read consecutively. Under Link Matching Fields, all fields which “feed” the field are listed – fields that have the same GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) or name and type. If the Read All option is activated, Cumulus will fill the record field with the data from all activated modules. If a module is deactivated, its data are “ignored” by Cumulus.
NOTE: Field Linking Checks for Field Types In addition to its own type, a field may be linked to certain other field types only. – Integer fields accept: String, Boolean, Real – Real fields accept: String, Boolean, Integer – Boolean fields accept: String, Integer, Real – Date fields accept: String – String List fields accept: String – String fields accept: Boolean (true, false), Integer, Real, Date, String List (exact string matching) – Binary fields accept: Audio, Picture
Automatic Creation of Folder Categories
The fields linked to the Categories record field are responsible for the automatic creation of folder categories in a catalog. The master category below which such a folder category is created is defined in the Category Target column. You can change the default target by clicking into the field and selecting another master category.
If you don’t want automatically created folder categories in a catalog, you have to deactivate the corresponding modules.
To avoid the automatic creation of folder categories you have to change the default linking of the Categories field:
1. Make sure the collection window containing the catalog is the active window in Cumulus.
2. Select Cumulus / Edit> Preferences.
3. Click Catalog Settings.
The Catalog Settings window is displayed. If the active collection window contains more than one catalog, select the catalog you want to edit under Catalogs.
4. Click Record Fields.
5. Select the field named Categories and click the Properties button.
6. Click Field Linking.
7. Select the module which to be deactivated (the one that should not create categories during the cataloging process. e.g. Windows or Mac OS File System AssetStore).
8. Click Deactivate.
9. Click OK. This brings you back to the fields list.
10. Click Apply to save your changes. If you now catalog assets employing this module, no directory categories will be automatically created and assigned to the record.
Cumulus / 
Edit > Preferences.