Google Merchant Center requires AI-generated product images to carry the IPTC note DigitalSourceType = trainedAlgorithmicMedia. This tool writes it into JPEG, PNG or WebP without re-encoding the image.
When you need the note
- Google Merchant Center: AI images in
image_link,additional_image_linkandlifestyle_image_linkshould carry the note; existing metadata must not be removed. More in our guide to Google Merchant Center. - Google Search: reads IPTC values such as
trainedAlgorithmicMediaandcompositeWithTrainedAlgorithmicMedia. - Platforms such as Meta and Pinterest use IPTC signals for their own AI notices.
Check after uploading
Some stores and CDNs strip IPTC on delivery. Check the delivered file with the checker.
Frequently asked questions
Which value should I choose?
“Fully AI-generated” writes trainedAlgorithmicMedia. “Photo edited with AI” writes compositeWithTrainedAlgorithmicMedia, for example for a real product photo with an AI background.
Is the IPTC note enough as a label under the AI Act?
No. Deployers must disclose visibly (Article 50(4) and (5) AI Act). Machine-readable marking is the AI provider's obligation (Article 50(2)) and does not count as the retailer's disclosure (guidelines para. 117). The note helps Google and platforms.
Why does the tool not write to some files?
Files with Content Credentials, because their signature would break, and files with extended XMP over 64 KB, to avoid damaging anything.
Sources
Para. refers to the paragraph number in the European Commission's guidelines on Article 50, C(2026) 5054.
- Google Merchant Center: AI-generated contentGoogle · Platform · 3 Oct 2026
- Google Merchant Center: preserving image metadataGoogle · Platform · 1 Feb 2024
- Google Search Central: image metadata (IPTC, C2PA)Google · Platform · 10 Dec 2025
- IPTC NewsCodes: Digital Source TypeIPTC · Standard · 23 Oct 2024
- Commission Guidelines on the transparency obligations under Article 50 AI Act, C(2026) 5054 finalEuropäische Kommission · Commission · 20 Jul 2026
- Shopify Community: CDN stripping IPTC metadataShopify Community · Platform · 4 Sept 2026
