XMP files

[beth0b]

When I do any post processing with a RAW image, an XMP file is automatically created. What is this and do I need it? I can't open them either.. What happens if I delete these files? If I don't need them, is there a way to have my computer not create them? I use Photoshop Elements 7 btw. Thanks for the help

[wal]

Originally Posted by beth0b

When I do any post processing with a RAW image, an XMP file is automatically created. What is this and do I need it? I can't open them either, when I click on them.. What happens if I delete these files? If I don't need them, is there a way to have my computer not create them? I use Photoshop Elements 7 btw. Thanks for the help

and may i add to the above question... The .PSD and .DNG files, any use for them afterwards..? or can we just delete them.

[acedrew]

The XMP file is what Elements uses to store the non-destructive editing information about the file, it's referred to typically as a "sidecar" file. Here is the Wikipedia article about the XMP format: Extensible Metadata Platform - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You can also have Elements store this data in a central database, but it makes backing up the data a little tricky. Here is a piece about both methods and their merits.
XMP or Camera RAW Database? - Elements Village

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter

[acedrew]

Originally Posted by beth0b

When I do any post processing with a RAW image, an XMP file is automatically created. What is this and do I need it? I can't open them either.. What happens if I delete these files? If I don't need them, is there a way to have my computer not create them? I use Photoshop Elements 7 btw. Thanks for the help

Originally Posted by wal

and may i add to the above question... The .PSD and .DNG files, any use for them afterwards..? or can we just delete them.

.PSD is a Adobe proprietary file type that is used to store bitmap data, as well as effects settings and work history. When you save a PSD file, you are saving a work in progress, when you open it, it will bring the file up just as it was when you left it. You will be able to change effects settings and access layers. It is a "smart" file that not only includes the bitmap data, but information about how it's used in the final result. When you export as JPEG, it takes all that information, and flattens it into a single bitmap. My rule of thumb is that if it took less than an hour to edit the photo, then I will delete the PSD when I export the final version, (typically a TIF for me) Here is a wikipedia blurb on the PSD format: Adobe Photoshop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

DNG is a Digital NeGative file, it is Adobe camera independent raw file, it stores the same original sensor data from you cameras raw file, but in a format that Adobe has pledged to support for years to come. Here is a wikipedia entry on DNG: Digital Negative (file format) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter

[beth0b]

Thanks so much, that helps a lot!