Just noticed that meta data stays embeded in the watermarked preview images on my site, but the downloaded files the buyers get are stripped of meta data.

Any reason for that? Is there any way to retain the meta data embeded in images?

I made a test purchase on 7-21-13 of a bloggee sized image and the metadata is there. This was fixed a couple of versions ago. I am still on 2.5.5 but I'm not sure why it isn't showing for you. Good question.

In my tests so far, metadata was missing from downloaded files that were processed with GD Library but images processed with Imagick had full metadata.

Yep I think you are correct. In fact, I think that was one of the reasons for implementing imagick, along with its better processing of images.

I made a test transaction with 2.5.6 a day or two ago, and all meta data was striped.

Is your Symbio site using the GD library or ImageMagick?

If you have imagemagick or imagick turned on (which is php extension for imagemagick) metadata should automatically be assigned.

What version are you using? (Its missing the proper path btw)

edit - Nevermind - don't change anything. Give me a moment to check everything on my end first.

I toggled Symbiostock and then back to CleanTheme. It didn't help with the download of the completed transaction (2nd purchase). Same error message as before.
Shall I make a new purchase transaction?
 

I don't know if the following will help:
The first image purchased had a number 164. The second image was assigned number 482.
But when I click on Get Your Images / download link in the received email, I am pointed to the image 164.

BTW, are these image numbers assigned consecutive values as the images are purchased, or are hey related somehow to the actual image pages?

3rd transaction completed and paid to Paypal.

When  I click on my email confirmation, the Customer License and Management screen displays the thumbnail of the new purchase, but the number 164 assigned originally to the first transaction from 2 days ago.
Clicking on the "Get your images here"  link, generates the same error message as before.

Leo,

I don't know what you mean by sending admin account, but I sent you a PM.

Thans for good news, Paypal refund processed.
I did it again, and the screen shows still number 164 (not 482), and I get the same problem.
It looks like it's something related to my computer session. I am going to reboot the computer now.

You are right, it was something with the browser or the Login session as the buyer.
I rebooted the computer, and still had the same problem. Then, I logged in to my website again (as the buyer), and this time the download worked like a charm.
However, the meta data is absent in  the downloaded file. I presume you didn't get either.

When does ImageMagick save the meta data - at the image the image is processed or when writing the purchased file?
Since I switched from GD Library to ImageMagick just today, will I have to re-process all existing images?

I just tried it again, with a freshly imported and processed file, this time definitely using ImageMagick.
The download worked fine, but I have the same problem, no metadata.


 

I don't want to hijack this thread but... what is ImageMagick and why do we need it??

Just Googled it. Way too complicated for my ol' brain to understand.

I use LR and (as needed) Photoshop and am happy with that combination. Are you saying I now need to add ImageMagick just so my metadata will accompany my images to their destination? I really don't want to have to install and learn another program just to do something basic like that.

Advice, please!