How do I export RAW files from Lightroom?

Question

If I haven't imported my RAW files into Lightroom with the sidecar files attached, how can I save/export the file so that another person can open the file and not have to re-do all my work?

Answer 1

As a rule, I don't belive it is a good practice to actually send someone a RAW file. The work you have done to an image reflects your idea of what it should look like and giving someone else a RAW file makes it easy to alter any or all of that work because of its non-destructive editing capabilities. If I send a client an image, or wish to send an image to a printer, I will export my RAW file to either a Jpeg file or a Tiff file, both of which are standard file formats for that purpose. My RAW files are never shared, I only will send one of the two formats I mentioned.

One other point, I will always convert my RAW files to the non-proprietary DNG file format that Adobe developed. One of the best reasons is the ability for a DNG file to have mete data embedded direclty in the file as opposed to the >XMP sidecar file which I find to be a nuisance. And whenever you add metadata or make any color edits to either a RAW file or DNG file, alwasy choose the Save Metadata to File option to bake in the changes, otherwise that work will be lost if the image is ever taken out of LIghtroom.