## **🧠 Why OTTO Retains Metadata for Deleted Images**

OTTO builds and injects structured data — including **ImageObject** schema — based on images it detects on your website. When you remove an image (for example, **Group\_20.png**), OTTO does not automatically know the image is gone. Its internal metadata cache still holds a reference to that image and continues injecting the associated **ImageObject** schema into your pages.

This is different from a standard WordPress, CDN, or server-level cache. Clearing those caches will not remove OTTO's stored image references. The stale metadata reference must be cleared directly within OTTO's backend.



## **⚠️ What This Looks Like**

- Schema Validator or Google Rich Results Test flags warnings for images that no longer exist on your site.
- ImageObject entries reference filenames like **Group\_20.png** or other deleted assets.
- The warnings persist even after clearing your WordPress cache, CDN cache, or server cache.

## **🔍 How This Is Resolved**

Clearing stale image metadata from OTTO's cache is a backend operation performed by the Search Atlas support team — there is currently no self-serve option in the platform to trigger this directly. When the cache is cleared on the backend, OTTO drops references to images that no longer exist and stops injecting the outdated **ImageObject** schema into your pages.

To get this resolved as quickly as possible, please reach out to support and have the following information ready:

- Your project or site name in Search Atlas
- The exact URLs of the affected pages
- The filenames of the deleted images referenced in the warnings (e.g. **Group\_20.png**)
- A screenshot or copy of the Schema Validator warning you are seeing

## **✅ After the Cache Is Cleared**

1. Wait a few minutes for the updated schema to propagate after the support team confirms the cache has been cleared.
2. Re-test the affected URLs using **Google's Rich Results Test** or your Schema Validator tool.
3. Confirm that ImageObject entries for deleted images no longer appear in the output.

## **💡 Tips to Prevent This in the Future**

- **Contact support promptly after removing images** from your site so the metadata cache can be cleared before Schema Validator warnings accumulate.
- Before deleting images, note which pages use them so you know exactly which pages and filenames to include in your support request.
- Keep a record of any deleted image filenames — this speeds up the backend cache-clearing process significantly.

If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type **human teammate** to be connected with a member of our team.