Lightroom .xmp files

I typically save my Lightroom processed photos with the .xmp file. I think I read recently where producing/keeping that file might slow LR down some. Is keeping the .xmp really needed? My catalogue is saved on my computer hard drive and backed up to the cloud each time I exit LR. Thanks!

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XMP files contain any changes/edits you've made to a RAW file. In LR, you have the option of saving them separately from the RAW file or saving them in the Catalog...If you're accumulating XMP files, before you discard them, you should test what's in your catalog files. I believe the option is an either/or situation and not a both situation. IOW, If you're writing XMP files, I don't think LR is saving those edits with the catalog.

Thanks for that information Fred, I didn’t know that my catalogue was not being updated when writing .xmp files. As you suggest, I’ll look deeper into this before deleting them. I might just start out not producing .xmp on new photos and leave the others alone for now.

Originally Posted by FredKingston

XMP files contain any changes/edits you've made to a RAW file. In LR, you have the option of saving them separately from the RAW file or saving them in the Catalog...If you're accumulating XMP files, before you discard them, you should test what's in your catalog files. I believe the option is an either/or situation and not a both situation. IOW, If you're writing XMP files, I don't think LR is saving those edits with the catalog.