In Play RAW topics, one is required to submit the edit as an XMP, PP3, ARP, … sidecar file accompanying the processed photo. Before the introduction of AI masks, this was straightforward, as such sidecars were self-contained. Indeed, the best practice to isolate the subject was some combination of a color similarity mask and a rough bounding shape.
Fast-forward to 2026. While the above-mentioned technique still works in cases where it worked before, Lightroom tutorials no longer teach this. Some open-source editors, e.g., ART, also embrace the new AI-based object mask approach by documenting the setup and the workflow. This works. And this works to such a degree that one can follow Lightroom tutorials from professional photographers using ART instead of Lightroom with only minimal adaptations—and that’s a great achievement.
The problem comes from the fact that AI masks are introduced as external bitmap files, thus making the usual sidecars no longer self-contained. So, for completeness, one has to also upload all AI masks used. And if one attempts this with PNG masks created by SMART, he/she will end up with ugly black-and-white mask images displayed by the forum in addition to the intended JPG rendering.
Is there any way to cause the forum software to not render a preview of the PNG file with a mask, and offer only a download link?
Are there any other best practices here related to external masks and AI masks in general in the context of Play RAW topics?