SUMMARY Configuration of Metadata| Sidecar leads to confusing user experience. STEPS TO REPRODUCE 1. Settings->Configure DigiKam… ○ Metadata | Sidecars ○ Disable: Read from sidecar files ○ Enable: Write to XMP sidecar only 2. Select picture 3. Item->Edit metadata a. Change an arbitrary field b. Click apply OBSERVED RESULT Changed field reverts to original value EXPECTED RESULT Change is persistent SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS Windows: Windows 10 Home ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Although the behavior is consistent with the configuration, it is still confusing. Inexpert users would suspect a defect. Proposal Provide settings of Metadata | sidecar like Use Sidecar: ○ Don't use sidecar (metadata in items only) ○ Use sidecars (read/write only to XML sidecar; fall-back reading from item if sidecar is unavailable) ○ Duplicate (write metadata to XML sidecar and item, preferer sidecar on reading) ○ As a substitute (if item is read-only: write to XML sidecar, prefer reading from XML sidecar. If item is writable: write to item, delete XML sidecar, prefer reading from item)
You can't write to Sidecar files without reading from them too. In digiKam-8.2.0 it is no longer possible to set this option. Maik