Elements XMP files??

*OrenMc* · 11-30-2008, 06:54 PM

I just started trying to process PEF files using elements 5 and I always end up with a XMP file along with the file I processed. What is the purpose of this file and how is it used? It is somehow automatically created.
I understand that using photoshop is a better way than the cameras software which I have been using the last year since I purchased my camera.

I quess I need to start paying more attention to this thread.

**Marc Langille** · 11-30-2008, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by OrenMc

I just started trying to process PEF files using elements 5 and I always end up with a XMP file along with the file I processed. What is the purpose of this file and how is it used? It is somehow automatically created.
I understand that using photoshop is a better way than the cameras software which I have been using the last year since I purchased my camera.

I quess I need to start paying more attention to this thread.

This is a default setting. The .xmp file stores in plain text any adjusts you made to the PEF before opening it in the Photoshop, Elements, etc. It's like a "sidecar" to your PEF file.

In my case, when I dump files from the card, it also stores my IPTC information (aka photographer contact information) from a metadata template I've already created. You can create one in Photoshop by going to File --> File Info. Then fill out the fields and save it... Voila - instant contact information saved into the .xmp file, so when you save it as a TIFF, PSD, JPEG, etc. that information is now in the EXIF data.

Regards,
Marc

*OrenMc* · 11-30-2008, 08:06 PM

Cool,
but after I do the adjustment and save tiff file do I need to keep it or can I delete it?

**Marc Langille** · 11-30-2008, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by OrenMc

Cool,
but after I do the adjustment and save tiff file do I need to keep it or can I delete it?

It's useful when you want to reload the PEF file with the initial adjustments you made in ACR. Your choice...

SpecialK · 11-30-2008, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by OrenMc

Cool,
but after I do the adjustment and save tiff file do I need to keep it or can I delete it?

If you never plan on re-processing the PEF, you can delete it. Or better, don't even save it (there's an option somewhere, at least in v6...)

If you rename the XMP file, you can "start over" fresh without the parameters, and try out different processing. Choose your favorite and rename the XMP to match the file name.

*OrenMc* · 12-01-2008, 06:17 AM

I guess this is something I need to get used to because I really need to learn this. Its just that being relitively new to it and seeing another file I had to deal with just made it more daunting. I think its this type of thing that has kept me from exploring it in the first place.
I just need to keep at it.
I really appreciate the help and support from you guys. I hope I don't become to big of pest.

Thanks again

SpecialK · 12-01-2008, 08:51 PM

When I was using Pentax's state-of the-art software known as Photo Laboratory, I never saved the XMP files. Now I do. They don't take up much room

*OrenMc* · 12-03-2008, 06:02 AM

Photo lab is how I have been converting up to this time. I basicaly used it to convert only, really didn't do any PP with it. I would convert to Tiff and then PP in Elements 5.

So now I am trying to see what the real different is using Elements. One thing I'm not sure about is that I usually duplicate layer before doing any pp and I can't do this unless I convert to 8 bit. Maybe this is a unnecessary step in workflow but I always want to keep the original.
So do I have to rename the XMP file in order to maintain the original file?
Maybe I ought to open the book more often

SpecialK · 12-03-2008, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by OrenMc

Photo lab is how I have been converting up to this time. I basicaly used it to convert only, really didn't do any PP with it. I would convert to Tiff and then PP in Elements 5.

So now I am trying to see what the real different is using Elements. One thing I'm not sure about is that I usually duplicate layer before doing any pp and I can't do this unless I convert to 8 bit. Maybe this is a unnecessary step in workflow but I always want to keep the original.
So do I have to rename the XMP file in order to maintain the original file?
Maybe I ought to open the book more often

The program matches the filename.jpg to the filename.xmp, so they need to be the same. If you can not download some plug-in for ACR (Adobe Camera RAW) for v5, perhaps going to v6 or v7 would help streamline your process?

**Marc Langille** · 12-03-2008, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by OrenMc

I guess this is something I need to get used to because I really need to learn this. Its just that being relitively new to it and seeing another file I had to deal with just made it more daunting. I think its this type of thing that has kept me from exploring it in the first place.
I just need to keep at it.
I really appreciate the help and support from you guys. I hope I don't become to big of pest.
Thanks again

No reply from me about how big a pest though...

Since they are very small text files, you should be fine. As SpecialK indicated, it matches the image file name, so there is never any confusion.

*OrenMc* · 12-03-2008, 09:27 PM

I'll play around with it for a while and see if I do need to upgrade. I've been on a bit of a spending spree so I need to start to really trying to utilize what I have.

Thanks again guys