Can a single RAW file support multiple XMP files? Say I spend considerable time editing an image and I'm happy with the edits, but think I could make it a little better, then decide to...

jwohlhueter

Say I spend considerable time editing an image and I'm happy with the edits, but think I could make it a little better, then decide to take a different approach altogether and I'm happy with that second effort too. Is it possible to save an XMP file after my first effort then start over and save an XMP file for my second? I know I could save the image as a jpeg or tiff after the first and second effort, but the edits of one or the other in the XMP will be lost.

JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX

Yes. Rename the file.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

In theory, no, in practice yes.
Renaming the raw file is already mentioned, you have left:
- renaming the XMP file
- Store the XMP in different directories...

I guess you get the err... picture.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

jwohlhueter wrote:

Say I spend considerable time editing an image and I'm happy with the edits, but think I could make it a little better, then decide to take a different approach altogether and I'm happy with that second effort too. Is it possible to save an XMP file after my first effort then start over and save an XMP file for my second? I know I could save the image as a jpeg or tiff after the first and second effort, but the edits of one or the other in the XMP will be lost.

If you are using Lightroom you can have unlimited virtual versions of a image with only one original raw file.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Rongnongno wrote:

In theory, no, in practice yes.
Renaming the raw file is already mentioned, you have left:
- renaming the XMP file
- Store the XMP in different directories...

I guess you get the err... picture.

Have you forgotten LR's ability to create virtual images?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Rongnongno wrote:

In theory, no, in practice yes.
Renaming the raw file is already mentioned, you have left:
- renaming the XMP file
- Store the XMP in different directories...

I guess you get the err... picture.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

mwsilvers wrote:

Have you forgotten LR's ability to create virtual images?

I have not forgotten, I am not even aware of it... I do not use LR at all.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Rongnongno wrote:

I have not forgotten, I am not even aware of it... I do not use LR at all.

Its not clear what the OP uses. He didn't specify. If he is using Lightroom the creation of virtual copies, which is one of Lightroom's most powerful tools, would give him exactly what he wants without the need to create any additional files. And these virtual copies will last forever if you want them to. You can even create a virtual copy that has adjustments already applied, and use that as a starting point for additional changes for that copy only and continue that indefinitely. Or you can make as many virtual copies as you want of an unprocessed file. I have many images for which I have a half dozen or more completely different versions, non of which requires the creation or copying of existing files.

Rick36203 Loc: Northeast Alabama

From Adobe Camera Raw you can create "snapshots" that are stored in a single XMP file. They contain the saved settings for multiple versions. Much easier than changing the name and starting again. And, no need to visit LR.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Rick36203 wrote:

From Adobe Camera Raw you can create "snapshots" that are stored in a single XMP file. They contain the saved settings for multiple versions. Much easier than changing the name and starting again. And, no need to visit LR.

I have to try that. I never used snapshots in ACR, just PS CC.

Hank Radt

mwsilvers wrote:

If you are using Lightroom you can have unlimited virtual versions of a image with only one original raw file.

Same in Capture One (which calls them variants).

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Rongnongno wrote:

I have to try that. I never used snapshots in ACR, just PS CC.

Neither do I. I already tried. I have found this is the perfect way to create and save multiple XMP files. This link https://industrydev.com/using-snapshots-to-save-versions-in-adobe-camera-raw/ explains how to do it.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Rick36203 wrote:

From Adobe Camera Raw you can create "snapshots" that are stored in a single XMP file. They contain the saved settings for multiple versions. Much easier than changing the name and starting again. And, no need to visit LR.

Thank you for this idea.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

MMC wrote:

Neither do I. I already tried. I have found this is the perfect way to create and save multiple XMP files. This link https://industrydev.com/using-snapshots-to-save-versions-in-adobe-camera-raw/ explains how to do it.

Thank you I will check this later on. (Still sleepy).

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

jwohlhueter wrote:

Say I spend considerable time editing an image and I'm happy with the edits, but think I could make it a little better, then decide to take a different approach altogether and I'm happy with that second effort too. Is it possible to save an XMP file after my first effort then start over and save an XMP file for my second? I know I could save the image as a jpeg or tiff after the first and second effort, but the edits of one or the other in the XMP will be lost.

really simple, it's called Virtual Copy, One master file an any number of output files, i.e .xmps. I often do one in color and maybe another in B&W, etc.

Just right click on picture and find create vitual copy.