You can't directly "convert" an XMP file to a DNG file. An XMP file is a text-based metadata file that stores adjustments and settings for an image, while a DNG file is a raw image format. The XMP file holds instructions about how to process an image, it isn't an image file itself. The workflow you're likely trying to achieve involves applying settings from an XMP file to a DNG image. Here's how you can do it in Lightroom:
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Import the DNG Image: Open Lightroom and import the DNG image you want to modify.
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Apply the Preset: There are a couple of ways to apply the settings stored in your XMP file:
- If the XMP file is a Preset: Import the XMP file as a preset into Lightroom. Then, in the Develop module, apply the preset to your DNG image.
- If the XMP file is a Sidecar File: Make sure the XMP file has the same filename as the DNG, and that it is in the same folder as the DNG image. Lightroom should automatically recognize and apply the settings. If it doesn't, try right-clicking on the image in Lightroom and selecting "Metadata > Read Metadata from File."
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Export as DNG (with Settings): After applying the settings, export the DNG file, ensuring you include the settings:
- Go to File > Export.
- Choose "DNG" as the file format.
- In the "Export Settings" dialog, ensure that "Original + Settings" (or a similar option that preserves metadata) is selected. This will embed the adjustments into the DNG file.
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The Result: The exported DNG will now contain the image data and the adjustments described in the XMP file you originally wanted to apply. The settings are now part of the DNG metadata itself.
In summary, instead of converting, you are applying the settings from the XMP file to a DNG and then re-exporting the DNG with those settings embedded.
