Logging into Bynder

1. Go to https://dam.jmclaughlin.com/login
2. Log in with your credentials
3. If you do not have access, contact the DAM admin

Navigating the Dashboard

After logging in, you'll see the Bynder dashboard. Here's a quick overview:

• Search Bar: At the top for quick asset lookup
• Home: Homepage Landing
• Assets: Where all the fun stuff happens.
• Collections: Curated groups of assets for campaigns or teams
• Upload Button: Top right corner for uploading assets

Let's dive by clicking into the Assets tab—here you'll find all of the content currently on the platform

• Smart Filters: On the left to narrow results by Asset Type, Department, Product Information, Date, Usage Rights, Tags, and Advanced
• Upload Button: Top right corner for uploading assets

Searching for Assets

Use the search bar with keywords, product names, campaign codes, tags, and most importantly, metadata—more on this in a second. You can also:

• Use filters like Asset Type, Sub-Type, Date Range, and Tags
• Click on a collection to browse grouped assets by theme
• Preview files by clicking on a thumbnail

Understanding Metadata

1. Metadata includes the descriptive tags, keywords, or details assigned to an asset to help identify, organize, and retrieve it. Common fields include:
   • Asset Type: Photo, Video, Document, etc.
   • Sub-Type: Editorial, On Figure, Store Imagery, etc.
   • Department: E-Commerce, Marketing, Social, etc.
   • Tags: Optional keywords to improve searchability
   • Usage Rights: Defines where and how an asset can be used
2. Why is Metadata so important?
   • Enhanced Searchability: Without metadata, finding assets in a DAM is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Metadata enables robust search functionality by allowing users to locate files through keywords, filters, and advanced searches. Example: Searching for “Spring Campaign 2025 social media graphics” becomes effortless if assets are tagged appropriately.
   • Improved Organization: A DAM with well-applied metadata creates a logical structure for storing and accessing assets. Categories, tags, and hierarchical taxonomy help users quickly understand what an asset is and how it relates to others. Example: Grouping assets by campaign or file type lets marketers find what they need without sifting through unrelated files.
   • Efficient Collaboration: Metadata provides context for assets, enabling team members to understand how, when, and where they should be used. This prevents miscommunication and ensures alignment across departments. Example: An asset tagged with “Approved for Web Use” signals it's ready for deployment without requiring back-and-forth clarification.
   • Rights Management and Compliance: Metadata fields like usage rights, expiration dates, and licensing information help teams avoid legal risks and copyright violations. Example: If an image is tagged with “License expires January 2025,” it ensures the team stops using it by the due date.
   • Usage Rights: Defines where and how an asset can be used
3. Best Practices for Metadata Attribution
   • Standardize Metadata Fields: Ensure all users follow a predefined structure to maintain consistency.
   • Leverage Controlled Vocabularies: Use dropdown menus or pre-set tags instead of free-text fields to reduce errors.
4. Final Thoughts: Metadata as the Backbone of Your DAM
   • Without metadata, your DAM risks becoming a cluttered, disorganized storage solution. By attributing assets with clear and consistent metadata, you enable the DAM to deliver its full potential—empowering users to work efficiently, collaborate effectively, and maximize the value of your organization's digital assets.

At first, it may feel like attributing this metadata is extra work and possibly even tedious, but the more we use Bynder, the more I hope you'll see it as a strategic investment in making our content accessible, actionable, and impactful.

Downloading Assets

1. Select the asset(s) you want to download
2. Click the Download icon or choose "Download Preset" (e.g., Web, Print, Social)
3. Confirm file format and size, then click Download

Uploading New Assets

Quick note: only a handful of users will have permission to upload. If you think you should have permission to upload assets please contact the DAM admin

1. Click the Upload button in the top right
2. Select files from your computer
3. Fill in required metadata fields like Asset Type, Sub-Type, Department, Month, Year
4. Submit to add the assets to the library (moderation may apply depending on your role)

For more in depth directions on uploading assets, specific to your department, please review our Upload Guide