Tips to open XMP file

Can't open the XMP file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open XMP files as well as a list of programs that support XMP files.

XMP file extension

File Name Extensible Metadata Platform Format
File Developer Adobe Systems
File Category Misc Files

The XMP file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the XMP files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the XMP file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is XMP file?

The .XMP file is a text file. The changes made to the original RAW files are saved here. This is due to changes that are not saved in the original file, but in the form of metadata in the .XMP file. The file is created automatically when you open a RAW file (such as CR2 or .NEF) in an editing program. This mainly applies to Adobe products, which is the author of the .XMP files. Although the file can be opened in a text editor, it should not be done, especially without specialist knowledge.

How to open XMP file?

The main problem with Extensible Metadata Platform Format is that the XMP file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file XMP to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XMP file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Bridge

The first step is to check if the computer has the Adobe Bridge program installed. To do this, enter the name Adobe Bridge into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file XMP.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Bridge with XMP files

If, despite the installed application, the XMP file does not start in the Adobe Bridge application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the XMP file with the Adobe Bridge application.

Step 3. Update Adobe Bridge to the latest version

If, however, after binding Adobe Bridge with Extensible Metadata Platform Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Adobe Systems Incorporated website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the XMP file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The XMP file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the XMP file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the XMP file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover XMP files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the XMP file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair XMP file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Adobe Systems, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted XMP files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move XMP to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the XMP file again. However, some background programs may block the XMP file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.