DNG to XMP Converter

About This Tool

The DNG to XMP Converter analyzes a DNG file to expose or generate its metadata as a standards-based XMP packet. It supports extraction of existing metadata into a separate XMP sidecar or embedding user-supplied XMP data into a DNG workflow. The result supports archiving, cataloging, and publishing pipelines that rely on consistent metadata.
Conceptually, the tool reads the DNG metadata blocks (EXIF, IPTC, and XMP within the file), normalizes fields to the XMP schema, and writes a serialized XMP payload. In extract mode, the output is a sidecar file named similarly to the input; in embed mode, the provided XMP is merged with the extracted fields to produce a final XMP packet.
Benefits include improved interoperability between asset management systems, photo editors, and distributors; reduced manual tagging effort; and improved searchability through standardized fields. The approach emphasizes determinism in mapping rules and predictable output formats to minimize downstream differences.
Core features include input validation, support for common XMP namespaces, deterministic tag mappings, and strict adherence to standard date and language formats. Use cases span archival digitization projects, agency workflows requiring consistent metadata, and studio pipelines that ingest DNG assets for cataloging and deliverables. The tool avoids modifying the original DNG except through the accompanying XMP sidecar or merged payload, and it provides clear outputs suitable for automated processing in larger imaging workflows.

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