File Extension Database

Open XMP File

An XMP file extension is a metadata file used by Adobe programs such as Photoshop and Bridge.

What is metadata?

Metadata is structured or semi-structured information that enables images to be created, recorded, classified, accessed, preserved, and arranged over time.

Metadata includes extensive information that can be used to identify, authenticate, and contextualize images, as well as data about modifications, enhancements, format changes, and more.

XMP files contain edits made to a camera raw file, such as a CR2 or NEF file, and are automatically generated and saved to the same directory as the corresponding camera raw file.

XMP files include various properties of an image file, such as a description, title, keywords, author, copyright, brightness, exposure, contrast, clip angle, shadow, saturation, sharpness, tint, and temperature, however, they are not considered media files.

XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) files are saved in a standard plain text format that can be searched by XMP-compliant applications.

The format was developed by Adobe as a means to standardize metadata across multiple file types, such as images, databases, and web documents.

Although XMP data is supported by various third-party applications, it is primarily used by Adobe software to store metadata for camera raw files.

In Photoshop, the XMP file is automatically generated when you open a Camera Raw file, choose settings in the Camera Raw processing intermediate screen, and click OK.

If you don't want the hassle of an additional file for each of your RAW files, you can save them in the DNG format, which embeds the XMP metadata into the file itself, eliminating the need for an attached XMP file.

If you come across an XMP file on your computer, there is most likely a corresponding camera raw file, such as an NEF or CR2 file, located in the same location.

About Photoshop

Photoshop is the popular name for an image editing computer program.

Its full name is Adobe Photoshop and it is developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated.

It works on Apple Macintosh and Windows operating systems.

The trade name of this product can be translated from English as 'photo workshop'.

The program has become the de facto industry standard for raster graphics editing.

It is compatible for both macOS and Windows, but not for Linux, which has alternative software

XMP files are not meant to be opened manually.

That is, they must not be modified in their text context.

Instead, they are referenced by the application used to open the corresponding camera raw file.

However, you can open an XMP file in a text editor to view the metadata.

Finally, if you delete the XMP file, you will lose all edits to the corresponding camera raw file, but you won't necessarily lose the image.

Software to open and work with an XMP file

Adobe Photoshop

How Can I Open XMP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open XMP file is to find a XMP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a XMP file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open XMP file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as XMP file opener then try to search online for "XMP viewer", "application to open XMP file" or "open XMP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open XMP file

How Can I Open XMP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a XMP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a XMP file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with XMP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as XMP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open XMP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open XMP file then try to search for "XMP viewer", "application to open XMP file" or "read XMP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read XMP file

How Can I Open XMP File on Android

If you downloaded a XMP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded XMP file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "XMP".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "XMP viewer", "XMP file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open XMP File on iPhone or iPad

To open XMP File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the XMP file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "XMP". This way you can find apps which can open XMP files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "XMP viewer" or "XMP file" online in your favorite search engine.

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