What provenance metadata does PrismPoster embed in my files?
Every file you export from PrismPoster carries an always-on, machine-readable provenance mark written into the file's metadata. For images this lives in the IPTC, XMP, and EXIF fields; for video it's written into the MP4 container's metadata; and MP3 audio carries it in the ID3 tags. The mark travels with the file. It is the AI disclosure PrismPoster adds to every export — likeness content additionally carries a visible badge — and it is never gated by plan tier. It's on for Free, Creator, Pro, and Apex, and there is no way to turn it off.
What is provenance metadata?
Provenance metadata is a machine-readable signal embedded in the file itself that records that the content was produced with an AI tool. Unlike the human-facing disclosure you make when you publish, the metadata is read by software, platforms, and verification tools that inspect a file's tags. It is written at export time so disclosure stays attached to the file wherever it goes.
Which metadata fields does PrismPoster write?
The fields depend on the file type:
- Images carry the provenance mark in IPTC, XMP, and EXIF fields.
- Video carries it in the MP4 container's metadata.
- MP3 audio carries it in the ID3 tags.
This covers exports from Image Studio, Magic Edit, Video Studio, and Music Studio.
Is the machine mark ever gated by plan?
No. The machine-readable provenance mark is never gated by plan tier. This is a deliberate part of how PrismPoster aligns to the EU AI Act Article 50 machine-marking requirement: the signal has to be present on all AI output, so it can't depend on what you pay. The C2PA signature on timeline-rendered video works the same way — not a plan feature, and not removable.
Is this the same as C2PA Content Credentials?
Partly. C2PA signing cryptographically binds provenance to a file so it can be verified and tamper-checked, and video rendered through the timeline editor carries that signature. Still images and raw generated clips do not — they carry the embedded metadata mark in standard fields (IPTC, XMP, EXIF, MP4, ID3) only. If a platform or tool strips a file's metadata on upload, the embedded mark can be lost, which is why a missing mark never proves a file is human-made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the metadata survive after I upload my file somewhere?
It depends on the destination. The embedded mark stays in the file as long as the metadata is preserved, but some platforms re-encode or strip metadata on upload, which can remove it. Nothing is rendered into the picture itself, so where a platform strips metadata, declaring the upload as AI-made with its own AI-content flag is the disclosure that reliably survives.
Can I see the provenance metadata myself?
Yes. Any tool that reads file metadata can show the relevant IPTC, XMP, EXIF, MP4, or ID3 fields. The mark is written in standard fields rather than a proprietary or hidden format.
My export looks like it's missing the AI mark — what should I check?
See missing AI badge for what to expect — only likeness content carries a visible label, so on everything else there is nothing to spot by eye. If the metadata itself seems absent on a fresh export, contact support@prismposter.com.
Does the metadata add cost or use credits?
No. Provenance metadata is part of every export at no extra credit cost. See how credits work for what does consume credits.