Microsoft Expression Media for Mac

Used Microsoft Expression Media for Mac?

Microsoft Expression Media Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Microsoft Expression Media is a free multimedia application designed for Mac users, primarily functioning as a media player. It supports a wide array of file formats, allowing users to organize, manage, and view their digital media collections seamlessly. The program is particularly beneficial for those dealing with large volumes of images, audio, and video files, providing tools for sorting and categorizing media effectively.

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In addition to basic playback functionalities, Microsoft Expression Media includes advanced features such as metadata management and batch processing capabilities. Users can create collections, tag items for easy retrieval, and utilize a robust search function to locate specific files quickly. The user interface is designed for efficiency, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users looking to enhance their media management experience.

Microsoft Expression Media for Mac

Used Microsoft Expression Media for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: June 2, 2009

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 2.0.2096.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X
Mac OS X 10.5
Mac OS X 10.4

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 5,795

Downloads Last Week: 3

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.5/5

104 User Votes

My god, the biggest bug of all!
grh-aklMarch 27, 2010
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Try to place some images in a catalog, from a DVD. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. Zip. This bastard of a tool refuses to display any image that is on a DVD. Presumably because the media is write-protected.
Two more serious bugs
grh-aklJanuary 23, 2010
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />At least once a week, I lose my preferences. This mongrel application launches with the same boring grey background, despite my having set different preference a hundred times. And, what's more, the view options are hidden in a most obscure place! And, to top off the insane arrogance of Microsoft, on a friend's computer, trying to launch this product, it has the gall to announce that the computer's date and time are set incorrectly and the app promptly quits! Unbelievable. Why the hell should an image catalog tool care about date and time settings? Grrr
Same old, same old
grh-aklAugust 2, 2009
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Still a compulsory splash screen on startup. Still frequent and mysterious disappearance of the view preferences. Another pet peeve: Accidentally clicking outside an image boundary can lose all of the selection frames. Grossly annoying if I am near the end of a four-figure catalog. Sorry I came back for a quick inspection to see if they have improved what was a good product before they bought it. Nope.
Surprise from MS
fun2go78August 4, 2008
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I ditched MS 2 years ago .. but this is a GREAT application I must say. I was very skeptical but I think it does a great DAM job. I have to explain why, for me, this is a good software and what my priorities are. EM2 does what other DAM applications do but with few additional capabilities and of course, drawbacks. my priorities 1. Ability to write metadata to originals or MASTERS. (option to with and without XMP file) 2. Ability to access masters(with their metadata) from other softwares. (light room or PhotoMechanic) 3. Ability to catalog off-line media (hard disks, DVDs, CDs) 4. SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPRT 5. frequent update, plugin - script support, and a developer who listens to 'single users' needs. 6. support to multiple Catalogs. I have used handful DAM softwares and comfortable to say the EM2 is my choice. of course it has its own quirks but I hope they fix them soon .. for example 1. Sorting files by name does not follow how OSX system sort files (080430_01.jpg does not come after 080430.jpg) 2. "AUTOMATIC Sync" .. PLEASE ADD THIS feature. 3. GPS location can not be exported to MASTERS, it has some issues. 4. Preferences need to be puffed up .. I would like to have 'specific' control on the thumbnail size (in piles). Options on how I display dates. Another example is changing the name of Catalog Folder, would change the original folder .. Can I have an option to turn that off. 5. It would be nice to have Groups in Catalog folders .. (I have 200 DVDs, after I catalog them, I can not see the online folders) I would like to put all DVDs in that folder 6. a film strip in Media tab would make things easier. 7. OPTIONAL : seeing inside packages (for macs) or .zip .rar files. It would be nice to have the ability to 'filter' some files based on levels (sub levels of directory) or file names, type , size .. (e.g. do not catalog jpgs smaller than 5k)
Needs work...
miyamoto_9July 19, 2008
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The App needs work. Have a large catalogue and the thing freezes and freezes and freezes over and over and over. Endlessly having to Force Quit with Force Quit showing that Expression "is not responding". It crashes less than the last versions of iView, but "less" is not much and simply is not enough. Really annoying. Is this the best the whiz kids at Msoft can do? Maybe Bill and boys need some more H-1 visas. Can't recommend it except, maybe, and it is a big maybe, for "family" use. Can't recommend it for professional use where one has large quantity of images.
Flushed by MS
FartleberryApril 17, 2008
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />One of the best programs for the Mac bought out and flushed by MS and Iview. I agree that trying to navigate those MS webpages is really just a form of torture that only the Vista/XP crowd seem to enjoy. IView is gone - I abandoned it as soon as I heard that MS was buying them. Never looked back either. They started to wreck it by adding elaborate imaging editing functions to a cataloguing program. Too bad because it was formerly a great program before the sell-out. I doubt it pulls in much money now but what would the formers care?
I'm with Jeff and the others.
grh-svoApril 17, 2008
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I've used iView Media Pro for years. Microsoft took an excellent program and ground it into the dust with its typical MS BS. All the way from its annoying, ugly splash screen that cannot be disabled, Stupid name, s l o w operation, non-intuitive prefs, to its lack of support for files I use and its ability to twist images 90 degrees without being asked. Someone...anyone must surely step up to the plate and author a competitor. Please make it work more or less how this dog worked before MS grabbed it. And not at this outrageous price, either!
I cannot begin to say what a disaster this is.
miyamoto_9December 29, 2007
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I rarely post negative comments about a piece of software; however, in this case I feel compelled to make an exception. I used iView Pro for a number of years prior to the Microsoft acquisition. Regrettably, I upgraded to the new version. I cannot begin to convey what a disaster, what a train wreck it is. iView was never a speed demon when dealing with large catalogues, but the post-M'soft-acquisition version is so incredibly slow as to, for all practical purposes, not run at all. To say that it is slow is wholly inadequate in describing how long it takes for this version to perform actions. Runs like a dying, no make that a dead, snail. Short of receiving significant cash bribes from Microsoft, I cannot, under any circumstances whatsoever, recommend this software.
This used to be good
chosenlinkJuly 23, 2007
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This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The iView programs up to version 2.5.7 are great. Have used those for years. Dont bother with this version that has been destroyed by the hands of microsoft. Just to download the trial version required me to get an account with Microsoft Live, activate it, fill in a user information form (home address, email address and other info they dont need), and then proceed to download. I will miss this application. I guess iPhoto isnt too bad.
Iview or Expression, No difference
thompsbkJune 14, 2007
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Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Expression could have been titled MediaPro 3.00000001. A few icons have changed but that is about all. I've used this program since it was affordable for an individual. I will continue to use it. It's many features and flexibility are excellent. I've looked at the alternatives but like this one the best. It is very disappointing to see that Microsoft has not done more than the smallest cosmetic changes. In some ways that is good. Nothing seems to have been made worse. My Shuttle-Pro settings continue to work as before.

Developer’s Description

Manage and catalog digital assets.