kitrn23

I use LR and have all my pics stored in LR catalog. But I have files of photos in may diff places on PC. Some are JPEGS, some are XMP files. What are XMP files? Do I need to keep all those other JPEGS? Looks like I can delete them according to latest post. I have external backups of all my photos. Also how do I know the photos in LR are raw, I do shoot raw.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

https://fileinfo.com/extension/xmp

It depends on what file extension your camera uses for RAW, mine is .CR2.

Only you can decide if you want to keep the JPEGs.

Why are photos all over your PC?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

First and foremost, I'll echo Longshadow. Why are your photo files all over the place?

Secondly, xmp (Extensible Metadata Platform) files are Adobe files that hold the image metadata of your photo. They contain the processing settings you set when you worked on your photos. Deleting them will remove all of those settings.

It seems to me that you have a lot of bookkeeping to do.
--Bob

kitrn23

wish I knew. Some under Pictures, some Pics, and then under photos. How do I know what my camera uses for raw?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Your camera manual will tell you what the file extension for RAW is.
--Bob

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Here is a possible scenario to eliminate the confusion:
1.Download and install Everything Search. https://download.cnet.com/Everything/3000-2379_4-10890746.html
2. It is a fast, fabulous windows search utility to search your hard drive(s) for specific files, ...
3. Take a RAW image (s) or locate on a card or disk and read the file's name. When I shot Canon it was CR2. Now with my Sony it is ARW
4. Using "Search Everything" search for the file name of your RAW images. Select all and create a folder(s) on a drive for those RAW - if possible label the folder(s) according to subject or dates, depending on how you want them filed.
4. Repeat for JPEG images.
Write down the drive & folder(s) where you created and stored the images.

5. Repeat that sorting for any and all classifications of images that are scattered on your drives.
6. Lastly, be very discrete and specific about future storage of images.

It's your choice how you want to view these newly organized images. Some use Lightroom, some Adobe Browser, some organize in Explorer. It does not matter which you choose as long as it serves your purpose for YOUR organization of photos. Finally, you rule it - don't let it rule you! Use discretion when uploading new images from a memory card.

Send me a PM for clarifications or questions
Good luck and take your time. Have a very specific plan before you begin!! Think about how you want your images organized.
Mark

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

And once you come up with a method, STICK to it.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

First of all, your files are not stored in your Lightroom Catalog. They they have never been and never will be. The Catalog contains pointers to the location of you image files, not the files themselves. As for their location in many different places that is 100% under your control. You either purposely or inadvertently put them there. It seem like there are a few issues here. You don't seem to have very much knowledge of how your computer stores thing. Are you a new Lightroom user? You don't seem to have a great deal of knowledge of how Lightroom works or you wouldn't be asking about .xmp files or having your pictures store in Lightroom. Finally you may need to learn more about your camera and raw processing in general. It is not even clear whether you know what your cameras raw file .extension is. The bottom line is you may have a fairly large learning curve ahead of you to better understand all the issues you are having.

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

kitrn23

I do understand that photos are not stored in LR. I miss stated. When I import photos from memory card I save in LR. Just cannot understand why I have files in many different places.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

That is something you control.
--Bob

kitrn23

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. I knew not to delete xmp files.
If I can view the photo in LR am I able to delete photos found in other places.
sometimes I think I am too old for this (80). I will be working on this, step by step

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

How about we cut the guy a break!!?? You seem to know an awful lot about what he may be doing wrong but nothing helpful as to what he can do to fix the problem!!!