Why Creation Date metadata on files is replaced with Modification Date

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Why Creation Date metadata on files is replaced with Modification Date

In response to SunshineAnderson's question that was asked previously and Apple posted a non-response then locked it.

Typically, the EXIF data is still intact and, if you have 3rd-party software, you can try to replace the Apple-corrupted Creation/Modified date with the still-intact EXIF data. But this typically costs money to purchase such software and may not work with all files and all conditions.

Additionally, the same 'issue' existed with iTunes where music file labels (and dates) were replaced with long unique ID's - useless to those moving files about and wanting to preserve the original names.

Voice memos have the same problem and are even harder to copy, as you're forced to do so one file at a time.

Only 3rd-party software can help preserve dates/names. Apple is unlikely to help in this area as it's been this way since day one.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Jan 9, 2022 9:46 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BobHarris

Level 9

56,981 points

Jan 10, 2022 4:44 AM in response to BrothaJay

FYI: macOS does save the file creation time (sometimes referred to as Birth time), but many users confuse the Unix ctime (file system metadata CHANGE time) for creation time. The ls command and other typical Unix commands do not know about the macOS creation time.

When you install the Xcode Command Line Tools, you get the GetFileInfo command, which can display the creation time.

Applescript can also access the macOS creation time.

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,692 points

Jan 10, 2022 6:16 AM in response to BrothaJay

If you refer to another person's previous post, then provide a link to it for context. At some duration of time, all posts will be marked as read-only and you cannot reply to them. Thread responses bearing an Apple logo are from the Apple hosting team, and all others are from fellow users.

I am aware that the EXIF DateTimeOriginal metadata from a camera image will be used on a macOS file creation stamp when Apple's Image Capture imports those files from the camera. All other means (that I am aware) of depositing those images on macOS result in the operating system applying its current date/time stamp on them. That is standard behavior for a UNIX operating system.

I have a camera image (jpg) on my Desktop imported by Image Capture. Here is the output from a shell script that I wrote that shows the inode birthdate matching that DTO stamp:

odin: ~/Desktop % lsd.sh IMG_0329.JPG

-rw------- 2733439 viking staff IMG_0329.JPG  
 Last Access:        2021-12-15 17:11:09 
 Last Modify:        2021-04-21 08:57:54 
 Last inode change:  2021-11-28 15:10:29 
 Birth of inode:     2021-04-21 08:57:54

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Why Creation Date metadata on files is replaced with Modification Date

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