Content Credentials export embeds full develop settings even when “Edits and activity” is unticked

Question

Version: Lightroom Classic 15.4.1, macOS

Steps:

Export a JPEG with Content Credentials set to “Attach to files”, with only “Producer” ticked (“Connected accounts” and “Edits and activity” unticked).
Export the same photo again with “Edits and activity” also ticked.
Inspect the C2PA manifest in both files.

Expected: with “Edits and activity” off, no edit information is included. With it on, edit information is included.

Actual: both exports contain the full develop settings verbatim inside the ingredient metadata. That’s around 158 crs: fields, including white balance, tone, the full HSL panel and colour grading, plus spot-removal (RetouchAreas) positions. Ticking “Edits and activity” only adds a generic c2pa.actions list (opened, edited, color_adjustments, drawing) with no values. So the checkbox doesn’t control the detailed edit data; it’s always included.

Regression: exports from Lightroom Classic 14.4 and 14.5.1 with the same settings do not contain develop settings in the ingredient metadata.

Impact: photographers who attach credentials for authorship unknowingly publish their complete editing recipe and retouching locations with every image.

johnrellis · Answer

Hmm, when I select a JPEG and export it to a JPEG, with Copyright Only and with or without Attach To Files, the exported file doesn’t contain the XMP develop settings. I’ve tested both 15.4 and 15.6 on Mac.

So there’s something particular to your configuration or the photos that we haven’t identified causing your symptoms. Unfortunately, Adobe isn’t likely to pay much attention unless they can easily reproduce a problem. Here’s how to get their attention:

1. Select a problem photo you’re willing to share.

2. Do File > Export As Catalog, with just the options Export Selected Photos Only and Export Negative Files.

3. Compress the exported catalog folder as a .zip file.

4. Uncompress the .zip file (retaining the .zip file), open the extracted catalog, and verify the problem happens with it.

5. Attach the .zip file here (which is allowed as long as its 47 MB or smaller).

6. Attach a screenshot of all of the Export settings window, so we know precisely which options you used.

7. Do the LR menu command Help > System Info, click the Copy button in the upper right corner, and paste into your reply here, so we can see exactly which versions of hardware and software LR thinks you're running and important LR options that are set.

8. If the problem occurs with that test catalog on other LR installations, then Adobe will likely file an internal bug report.

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