What is Embedded Metadata?
BadgeFed embeds complete OpenBadge verification data directly into badge image files using PNG metadata chunks.
This means the badge image itself contains all the information needed to verify its authenticity,
making it portable and verifiable even when shared outside the platform.
How to Download Verifiable Images
1
Visit any badge verification page (like the one you came from)
2
Look for the "Verifiable Badge Image" section
3
Click "Download Verifiable Image" or right-click the badge image and save it
How to Extract Metadata
Method 1: Online Tools
Method 2: Command Line
Using ExifTool:
exiftool -textual -b badge-image.png
Using ImageMagick:
identify -verbose badge-image.png | grep -A 10 "Properties:"
Method 3: Programming
Python example using PIL:
from PIL import Image
from PIL.PngImagePlugin import PngInfo
# Open the image
img = Image.open('badge-image.png')
# Extract the OpenBadge metadata
openbadge_data = img.text.get('openbadge')
if openbadge_data:
print(openbadge_data)
else:
print("No OpenBadge metadata found")
Verification Process
1
Extract the metadata: Use one of the methods above to get the JSON data
2
Parse the JSON: The extracted data is a complete OpenBadge assertion
3
Verify the badge: Check the issuer, recipient, and verification data
4
Cross-reference: Visit the verification URL in the badge data
What the Metadata Contains
The embedded JSON includes:
- Assertion ID: Unique identifier for this badge instance
- Recipient information: Who the badge was issued to
- Badge details: Name, description, criteria, and image
- Issuer information: Who issued the badge
- Issue date: When the badge was granted
- Verification type: How to verify the badge
- Evidence: Links to supporting documentation
Important Notes
- Only PNG format images support metadata embedding
- The metadata is stored in PNG text chunks and may be stripped by some image editors
- Always verify badges through official verification services
- External badges from other platforms may not have embedded metadata