What is .xmp file in ACR4.1?

[fgrule]

I've been using PSE3 and just got PSE5 today.I also downloaded ACR 4.1 and have a question about the ".xmp" file.I opened a raw file(.CR2) and made a few changes in the raw editor.Then I opened it in the regular PSE5 editor and "saved as" a .jpg to My Pictures.

It worked fine,but there is an additional file there also( a .xmp file).What is it?Do I need it?Can I keep it from showing up in My Pictures?It's a small file,but adds clutter and I had to delete it manually.
Thanks for any help! Fred

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[troush]

I believe the XMP file is storing the settings you used to modifiy the raw file. So, the next time you open the raw file, it will have those same settings. They are called xmp sidecar files.

-Trish

[Juergen D]

I believe the XMP file is storing the settings you used to modifiy the raw file. So, the next time you open the raw file, it will have those same settings. They are called xmp sidecar files.

-Trish
Trish,
That is what I see. I checked some of my xmp files, they do have those settings in there. Interestingly, when running a JPEG file through ACR 4.1, the xmp information is written to the image file. That must be the reason why also a JPEG that was previously opened in ACR will subsequently open with the same settings as applied before.

Juergen

[TonyW]

You have the option of saving the settings in an xmp file or in a database. If you don't want xmp files cluttering up My Pictures you might want to change the ACR 4.1 preferences to the database. More info in this thread:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25889

Tony

[fgrule]

Thanks for the replies.Found the preferences icon and made the change.

Also, it seems that "alt-click" on "open" while in the raw editor keeps the .xmp file from showing up in My Pictures.If you hold the cursor over the "open" button,it mentions doing "alt-click".Not sure what that means.