How to View file details and metadata in OneDrive
Viewing file details and metadata in OneDrive shows you extra information about your files, like when they were last changed or who has access.
Metadata is simply data about data. It gives you more context beyond a file’s name, helping you manage your documents more effectively.
For instance, OneDrive’s web interface lets you easily see details like the file’s size, modification date, and sharing permissions right in your browser.
Select a file or folder on OneDrive.com, then click the ‘i’ icon in the toolbar to open the Details pane. This pane displays information like sharing status, modification dates, file size, and location data for photos.
Opening the Details Pane
You can easily see all the details and metadata for any file or folder in OneDrive by opening the Details pane.
- Go to OneDrive.com and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Find the file or folder you want to learn more about. You can be in any section, like “My files” or “Photos.”
- Click once on the file or folder to select it. You’ll see a checkmark next to it.
- Look for the Info icon. It looks like a small ‘i’ inside a circle. It’s usually in the toolbar at the top, near buttons like “Share.”
- Click the Info icon. A new pane will open on the right side of your screen. This is the Details pane.
What Kind of Details Can You See?
The Details pane shows different information depending on the file type. Here’s what you might find:
For Any File or Folder:
When you open the Details pane for any file or folder, you’ll find important information like when it was last changed, who it’s shared with, and its location.- Sharing Information: See who you’ve shared the file with and what they can do (like edit or just view). You can also see files shared with you.
- Last Modified Date: Shows when the file was last changed.
- Created Date: Shows when the file was first added to OneDrive.
- File Size: Tells you how much space the file takes up.
- Location: Shows which folder the file is in.
For Photos:
Photos in OneDrive can show extra details beyond basic file info, including camera model, settings, and even where the picture was taken if that data is saved.
- Camera Information: If you took the photo with a camera, you might see details like the camera model, settings used (like aperture or shutter speed).
- Phone Details: If you took the photo with your phone, you might see the phone model.
- Location Data: If your phone or camera saved location info, you might see where the photo was taken.
- Extracted Text: For photos with text (like a sign or a document), OneDrive might show you the text it found, making it searchable.
For Documents:
Microsoft OneDrive displays the author's name for a file if that author saved their name within the document's properties. This author information appears as a specific detail beyond the file's size and last modified date.
Reference:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/onedrive/change-views-on-the-onedrive-website
Summary
Viewing extra details about your OneDrive files and photos is convenient: select a file or folder and click the ‘i’ icon to open the Details pane. This pane shows information like sharing status, modification dates, file size, and even camera settings or location data for photos.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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