Lightroom Client Selection Workflow
Sync client photo selections directly into Lightroom Classic and Capture One using zero-click XMP sidecars. No plugins required.
Drop your photos here Release to add photos
JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF or a whole folder. Files are decoded on your own device and never uploaded.
How it Works: The XMP Sidecar Workflow
Generate Proof Portal / Contact Sheet
Drag your exported low-res JPEG proofs into Make Contact Sheet and generate a Client Proofing Portal or send them a PDF.
Collect Client Selections
Clients review the photos and export their feedback manifest (.makecontactsheet.json). Drop this file into the Make Contact Sheet studio to instantly restore their Keep/Flag/Reject tags.
Export XMP Sidecar ZIP
Click the "Export Artifact" button and select the "Lightroom XMP" format. This generates a ZIP of .xmp files containing 5-star ratings and color labels for every selected photo.
Drop Sidecars into RAW Folder in Lightroom Classic / Capture One
Extract the ZIP into the exact folder containing your original RAW files. In Lightroom, select all images, right-click, and choose "Metadata > Read Metadata from File". Your client selections are now perfectly synced to your RAWs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do XMP sidecars sync with Lightroom Classic?
Lightroom reads standard Adobe XMP metadata. When you drop an .xmp file next to a RAW file of the same name and tell Lightroom to "Read Metadata from File", it imports the color labels, star ratings, and keywords written in the sidecar directly onto the RAW file.
Does this work with Capture One?
Yes! Capture One also reads standard XMP metadata. Make sure "Auto Sync Sidecar XMP" is enabled in Capture One preferences.
Are there any plugins required?
No plugins are required. Make Contact Sheet generates standard Adobe XMP files natively in your browser that can be read by any professional RAW processor.