What are all these XMP files for? And do I need to keep them?

[hawsumb]

I know they have something to do with the processing of my raw files, but that's about it. Do I need to keep them? What exactly are they for? I like to organize my files by "Dated Created" and they're getting in the way. Not to mention I'm a neat freak and like my computer folders tidy ...

~ Heather

[RandyP]

Originally Posted by hawsumb

I know they have something to do with the processing of my raw files, but that's about it. Do I need to keep them? What exactly are they for? I like to organize my files by "Dated Created" and they're getting in the way. Not to mention I'm a neat freak and like my computer folders tidy ...

~ Heather

XMP files are what they call Side Car files with the RAW images. They contain any notes, rankings assigned, etc. with the imaes that were done in Lightroom, Bridge, etc. I just leave them and convert my "keepers" to DNG files.

DNG is a Adobe "Universal" standard with no XMP files (info built in) and the files are smaller. It's an extra step but as a standard the file formats should be there "forever".