'Create or update XMP sidecar' setting

[xnview]

Currently when a file is loaded, XnView checks always if there is file.xm or file.ext.xmp

Should this be according to the activation of the 'Create or update XMP sidecar' setting?

[user0]

nope
I think it should stay like this:

• read (Settings > Companion files)
  * -- {ext}.xmp;xmp in Association list

• write (Settings > Metadata > Sidecar)
  'Create or update XMP sidecar' checkbox

On the other hand, I would probably merge these 2 settings tabs somehow as sidecar is a subset of companion files

[jkm]

Currently when a file is loaded, XnView checks always if there is file.xm or file.ext.xmp

Should this be according to the activation of the 'Create or update XMP sidecar' setting?

No, "creating or updating" a sidecar file should be a separate option.

You said it "ALWAYS" checks.

When opening a file, It should only check (and then read the XMP) if the IMPORT options are checked on the Metadata page.

It should only write the file if "Create or update XMP sidecar" is checked.

As for the companion file settings, it only needs to check and process the XMP if the master file is deleted, moved, or renamed.