How do you keyword your images?  I have been using Imatch and it makes the process quite a bit easier, however I am interested in hearing what other people use.
For those people who don't use a program to keyword their images, or don't keyword before uploaded I would strongly sudjest that you do.  It saves lots of time as most stock sites will then, automatically extract the keywords from your image, so you don't have to type them in when you are uploading.

This first post is 5 years old now   but since this discussion is still current, I'll update it with my current workflow.

For keywording research I use: http://microstockgroup.com/tools/keyword.php
Then I simply put the keywords in the IPTC info inside photoshop or Adobe Bridge: File > File Info or Ctrl+Alt+crap+I

I save the keywords, description, and copyright information in the image file while in PS. iStockphoto extracts the information from the file when I upload it.

I use pixvue...

I do it the old-fashioned way...my trusty thesaurus.     Then I use cut and paste for descriptions that I use a lot.

I use IrfanView.  It is really easy.  You open the image, hit the "I" key twice, and then enter the IPTC info.

I use Pixvue.  Right click in windows explorer and then enter IPTC data.  YOu can also select a few photos at a time so when you save one, it automatically opens the next (unfortunately it doesn't populate with the same info).

I also keep track of all titles and keywords in excel.

I use Exifer for keywording in IPTC details

I finally found if you add the keywords individually like you are supposed to

iStock's imagemanager, 123,DT,PSM,Can,BigStock,StockXpert,FT, all are happy.

Though I found that if you spot a mistake and have to correct something with photoshop and resave the details are lost.

    Image optimization is optional. But it is good if you do that.
    Guidelines for image optimization.
    1. Include the keyword in your image name : Use name in image like web design.jpg instead of number and alphabet.
    2. Separate Search engine accessible image folder
    3. Use the "Title" attributes : Title attributes are a great way to add meaningful information about the images. Use it. Ex:- Title="Website Design Los Angeles."
    4. Do not use the same ALT tags for two or more images on the same page.Do not use the same TITLE attributes
    5. Use Limited number of images per page
    6. Reasonable image file size

I use iTag....

Sets keywords, description and Title on one or multiple images at the same time.

Builds a keyword library automatically as you enter the keywords for the images, omits entered keyword if already in the library.......you can also build keyword strings and store them, example: "young Asian women" "winter landscape".

I used to use irfanview but when you can do multiple images at the same time productivity is greatly increased and its a free application,no ad's and no restrictions.

-Don

I use PhotoMechanic. It's very fast for previewing images and vectors, it has built in ftp, can import photos and has great keywording tools. You can also write structured keyword lists for the areas you use the most (or buy the list from controlled vocabulary).

bridge

I've used ProstockMaster for about 15 months, now.  I'm very happy with the program.

Here is my referral link: http://www.prostockmaster.com/?refcode=2763

Lightroom is a major omission from the choices...it's very popular and excellent.

Quote from: PixelBitch on June 03, 2010, 07:36
Lightroom is a major omission from the choices...it's very popular and excellent.

Probably wasn't included in the poll because it was made 4 years ago in 2006.
Does this one win the record for digging up dead threads ?

http://www.fotoware.com/en/Products/FotoStation/Overview/

Best captioning software on the planet IMHO - however come's at a heavy price.

Oldhand

Quote from: qwerty on June 03, 2010, 09:37
Does this one win the record for digging up dead threads ?

Alina8528 wins the "Cry for Attention" award.

Quote from: Oldhand on June 03, 2010, 09:57
http://www.fotoware.com/en/Products/FotoStation/Overview/

Best captioning software on the planet IMHO - however come's at a heavy price.

Oldhand

In my former employment we were forced to use this. Never again.

Quote from: CofkoCof on June 03, 2010, 07:21
I use PhotoMechanic. It's very fast for previewing images and vectors, it has built in ftp, can import photos and has great keywording tools. You can also write structured keyword lists for the areas you use the most (or buy the list from controlled vocabulary).

+1

I love the ability to copy and paste IPTC data.

Photoshop.

Prostockmaster

CushyStock (old version, and only for keywording)

Basically Exifer.  If I need to add/edit a keyword in a specific position (like when I copy keywords from another similar image), I do that in Irfanview.

Quote from: Fotonaut on June 03, 2010, 12:00

Quote from: Oldhand on June 03, 2010, 09:57
http://www.fotoware.com/en/Products/FotoStation/Overview/

Best captioning software on the planet IMHO - however come's at a heavy price.

Oldhand

In my former employment we were forced to use this. Never again.

It does take some getting used to,  but is unbeatable for captioning batches of images, then appending specific keywords.

Drives many people mad though!

Oldhand

I use ProStockMaster

Lightroom 2