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Participating Frequently
Sep 10, 2025 10:40 AM UTC
Question

Export original only outputs the .xml file

If I export original LR only outputs the .xml file not the raw .NEF aswell.

 

Any idea why this is?

 

MacBook Pro 
Mac OS 14.6.1
Adobe Lightroom Classic 14.5.1

4 replies

dj_paige
Legend
Sep 10, 2025 11:45 AM UTC
quote

If I export original LR only outputs the .xml file not the raw .NEF aswell.

 

Any idea why this is?

 

MacBook Pro 
Mac OS 14.6.1
Adobe Lightroom Classic 14.5.1


By @fennell_1842

 

I think you mean .xmp not .xml

 

There is no need to export the .NEF file, as this hasn't changed at all. So if you want to export the original, it's already there, no export needed.

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Participating Frequently
Sep 11, 2025 8:28 AM UTC

thanks, yes apologies I mean.xmp.

I'm backing up files on to a seperate drive so wanted to export raw + the sidecar

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Participating Frequently
Sep 10, 2025 10:42 AM UTC

I should add, this is only happening on certain files. 

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Participating Frequently
Sep 10, 2025 10:50 AM UTC

I have the answer. When LR creates the copy of the RAW, via the 'export original' function, it maintains the originals file creation date. But the .xml will have todays date. Therefore, if you're in a folder view that ranges new files to the top the RAW file can potenital get lost and appear as if it was never output. 


Be nice if Adobe could implement a better system to avoid this.

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