Enhanced metadata with optimized output. In an embodiment, a content object is received. First metadata to be associated with the content object is determined. At least one metadata field to be acquired is determined based on an association, within a stored knowledge structure, of the at least one metadata field with the first metadata. Second metadata to be associated with the content object is acquired based on the at least one metadata field. A metadata structure and markup format for the content object are determined. The metadata structure incorporates both the first metadata and the second metadata. The content object is output with the metadata structure and in the markup format.