How to Read Metadata
Learn what metadata is included in Page Vault captures and how it’s stored
What is Metadata?
Metadata is information that provides context about your capture, such as when and where it was made. This data is useful for organizing, verifying, and authenticating your captures.
Metadata Included in Page Vault Captures
Every Page Vault capture automatically includes the following metadata:
Forensic Data
Forensic Data refers to technical details that help verify the authenticity and integrity of a web capture.
| Field Name | Description |
| control_number |
Page Vault capture ID
|
| begattach |
parent-child relationship
|
| file_path |
export file pathing
|
| capture_url |
the final URL that was captured after redirects
|
| original_capture_url |
original URL that was entered before a redirect
|
| filename |
“capture name” in portal, typically auto-filled with [domain]_[timestamp]
|
| document_title | tab title |
| capture_time |
time capture was made in UTC
|
| hash | sha256 |
| file_size |
only applies to file downloads (videos, PDFs, etc)
|
| unique_id |
another Page Vault identifier, also known as the Capture ID
|
| file_download_type | PDF, video, etc. |
| screenshot_server_ip |
IP address of the server used to capture
|
| screenshot_load_time |
time the page loaded
|
| screenshot_page_length |
number of pages in the PDF
|
Informational Fields
Information Fields are user-friendly details extracted from a webpage that help describe its content.
| file_uploaded_at |
| file_description |
| post_datetime |
| parent_est_post_datetime |
| post_author |
| post_reaction_count |
| post_comment_count |
Please note: Page Vault cannot verify or speak to the accuracy of the information contained in the informational metadata fields. If an affidavit or sworn statement is required, you will need to contact the platform where the content was originally published.
Where to Find Metadata
Metadata is stored in two locations:
-
Cover Page of the PDF: Appears at the beginning of your capture.
-
JSON Metadata File: Delivered alongside your capture PDF in your zipped download folder.
The JSON file is especially helpful for recordkeeping or integration with internal systems, as it stores the metadata in a structured, machine-readable format.
Why Metadata Matters
Metadata supports the authenticity of your captures. If you ever need to prove when a capture was made, the metadata—especially the file hash—serves as a valuable piece of evidence.