[PeterJHB]

When downloading images with Downloader, an XMP coach file is produced for each image. It seems that this information is also embedded in the image file. How can I stop the creation of the XMP coach files?

[DavidB]

I've always known them as 'sidecar' files, but I suppose coaches are more comfortable than sidecars ...

To stop the creation of these files, turn off the option in DL Pro Preferences (at the bottom of the General tab) to add IPTC data to files. This data is part of the XMP set, and, under the XMP specification, has to be added to RAW files as a sidecar .XMP file. This is to prevent accidental over-writing of data within unpublished RAW file structures.

EXIF data is embedded in the RAW files, as (obviously) camera manufacturers provide for this. Because there is also an EXIF 'schema' within the XMP data design, it is normal for EXIF data to be copied into XMP, and therefore into the sidecar file. It is very common in metadata structures for information to be reproduced in a number of separate locations. Note also that, if you save RAW conversion settings in a number of applications (including Adobe Camera RAW and the BB Pro RAW converter), XMP files will be created to contain these settings.

My own view is that sidecar files are a fact of life if you shoot RAW images. Workflow applications like BB Pro handle them transparently in any case.

David

[PeterJHB]

Thanks David. I take your point. Yes, I do know the other name :)