Importing Camera Raw Files Into Adobe Premiere: A Step-By-Step Guide

Adobe Camera Raw is a software that allows users to enhance and edit raw image files from various cameras and import them into Adobe applications such as Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects, and Bridge. Raw image files are unprocessed and uncompressed, giving users greater control over the final image as they can adjust the white balance, tonal range, contrast, colour saturation, and sharpening. When using Camera Raw, the original image data is preserved, and adjustments are stored as metadata.

While Camera Raw is a powerful tool for editing and enhancing raw image files, it is important to note that the adjustments made in Camera Raw may not be recognised in other Adobe applications, such as Premiere Pro. To import images from Camera Raw to Premiere Pro, a slightly different workflow is required. One method is to open the images in Photoshop after making adjustments in Camera Raw and then saving them as .psd files, which can then be imported into Premiere Pro. Another method is to import the raw image files into After Effects, which will launch Camera Raw, and then saving the project, which can be dynamically imported into Premiere Pro.

Importing camera raw files into Adobe Bridge

Step 1: Launch Adobe Bridge

Open Adobe Bridge by going to the File menu in Photoshop and choosing "Browse in Bridge". This is the easiest way to launch Bridge from Photoshop.

Step 2: Connect Your Camera or Card Reader

Use a supported cable to connect your camera, card reader, or mobile device to your computer. Ensure that your device is turned on and properly connected.

Step 3: Launch the Photo Downloader

With Bridge open, go to the File menu and choose "Get Photos from Camera." This will open the Photo Downloader app, which is built into Adobe Bridge.

Step 4: Choose Your Camera or Memory Card

In the Photo Downloader, use the "Get Photos from" option to select your camera or memory card as the source of your images. If your device is not automatically detected, choose it from the list manually.

Step 5: Switch to the Advanced Dialog

Click on the “Advanced Dialog” button in the lower-left corner of the dialog box. This will give you access to additional import options and a preview area for thumbnails of your images.

Step 6: Select the Images to Import

In the preview area, you can select the images you want to import. By default, all images are selected. If there are specific images you don't want, simply uncheck them. If you have many images to exclude, click the “Uncheck All” button and then manually select the desired images.

Step 7: Choose the Import Location

Specify the location on your computer where you want to save the images. Click the “Choose” button and navigate to the desired folder.

Step 8: Create a Subfolder (Optional)

To keep your photos organized, you can create a subfolder within the chosen location. By default, the subfolder will be named based on the date the photos were taken, but you can also choose "Custom Name" and enter your preferred name.

Step 9: Rename the Files (Optional)

While you can rename your files during the import process, it is generally recommended to review and curate your images in Adobe Bridge first and then rename them. However, if you wish to rename them at this stage, select the “Rename Files” option and choose from the preset naming options or enter a "Custom Name."

Step 10: Advanced Options

In the Advanced Options section, you will find important settings. Make sure to leave the "Open Adobe Bridge" option checked so that Bridge opens the folder containing your imported images.

Step 11: Convert to DNG (Optional)

If your camera supports the raw format and your images are captured as raw files, consider selecting the “Convert to DNG” option. This will convert your camera's raw files to Adobe's DNG format, reducing file size without compromising quality.

Step 12: Add Your Copyright Information (Optional)

In the Apply Metadata section, you can add your name and copyright information to your images during the import process.

Step 13: Initiate the Import

Once you have configured all the desired settings and options, click the “Get Media” button to start importing your images. Depending on the number and size of your files, the process may take some time.

By following these steps, you can efficiently import your camera raw files into Adobe Bridge and take advantage of its image management and editing capabilities.

Opening camera raw files in Camera Raw

To open a camera raw file in Camera Raw, you can follow these steps:

• In Adobe Bridge, select the camera raw file or files you want to open. You can do this by clicking on the thumbnail image of the file in the Content panel, or by using the File > "Open in Camera Raw" option.
• With the file selected, press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac) to open the Camera Raw window.
• Make any desired adjustments to your image in the Camera Raw window.
• Click "Done" to accept the changes and close the dialog box, or "Open Image" to open a copy of the adjusted image in Photoshop.

Alternatively, if you are working on a regular image file such as a JPEG or TIFF, you can open it in Camera Raw by following these steps:

• In Photoshop, create a "Stamp Layer" by selecting the top layer in the Layers Window and pressing Shift + Option + Cmd + E (Mac) or Shift + Ctrl + Alt + E (PC). This will create a new pixel layer that consolidates all the other visible layers in the image.
• With the new pixel layer selected, go to "Filter" > "Camera Raw Filter..." in the Photoshop menu.
• Make your desired adjustments to the image in the Camera Raw window.
• Click "OK" to apply the adjustments to the image layer.

It is important to note that Camera Raw was originally designed to process photos in raw format. Therefore, if you double-click on a raw image file on your computer, it should automatically launch Photoshop and open the image within Camera Raw. However, if the raw file doesn't open, make sure you have the latest version of Camera Raw installed.

Editing camera raw files in Camera Raw

Camera Raw is a software included as a plugin with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop. It also adds functionality to Adobe Bridge. The software allows you to import and work with camera raw files, as well as JPEG and TIFF files. Camera raw files are unprocessed, uncompressed grayscale picture data from a camera's image sensor.

• Open the image files in Camera Raw: You can open camera raw files in Camera Raw from Adobe Bridge, After Effects, or Photoshop. Go to File > Open and navigate to your raw file.
• Make color adjustments: This includes adjustments to white balance, tone, and saturation. Most adjustments can be made on the Basic tab in Camera Raw. If you want Camera Raw to automatically adjust the image, click "Auto" on the Basic tab.
• Apply previous settings: To apply the settings used for the previous image or the default settings for the camera model, choose the appropriate command from the Camera Raw Settings menu.
• Make other adjustments and corrections: Use the tools and controls in the Camera Raw dialog box to perform tasks such as sharpening the image, reducing noise, correcting lens defects, and retouching.
• Save image settings (optional): If you want to apply the same adjustments to other images, save the settings as a preset. You can also save the adjustments as new default settings for images taken with the same camera model or ISO setting.
• Set workflow options for Photoshop: Specify how images will be saved from Camera Raw and how Photoshop will open them. This includes settings for color bit depth, color space, output sharpening, and pixel dimensions.
• Save or open the image: Once you have finished adjusting the image, you can apply the adjustments to the camera raw file, open the adjusted image in Photoshop or After Effects, or save the adjusted image in another format.

It is important to note that you cannot save an image in a camera raw format within Camera Raw. The adjustments made to the raw file will be stored in either the Camera Raw database, as metadata embedded in the image file, or in a sidecar XMP file.

Saving camera raw files in another format

• Open your camera raw file in the Camera Raw dialog box.
• Make any desired adjustments to your image using the editing tools and panels within the Camera Raw dialog box.
• Once you're happy with your adjustments, click on the "Save Image" button in the lower-left corner of the dialog box.
• In the Save Options dialog box, specify the location where you want to save the file. You can choose to save it in the same folder as the original or select a new location by clicking "Select Folder."
• Choose a filename and a naming convention that includes elements such as date and camera serial number. This helps keep your image files organized.
• Select the desired file format from the "Format" menu. The available formats are Digital Negative (DNG), JPEG, TIFF, and Photoshop (PSD). Each format has its own set of options:

• DNG: Choose whether you want compatibility with DNG 1.1 or DNG 1.3. You can also embed a JPEG preview and choose its size. Additionally, you have the option to embed the original raw file in the DNG.
• JPEG: Specify the amount of compression, with higher values resulting in less compression, increased file size, and improved image quality.
• TIFF: Select the type of file compression, such as no compression or LZW/ZIP compression.
• PSD: Decide if you want to preserve cropped pixel data in the PSD file.

Finally, click "Save," and a copy of your camera raw file will be saved in the designated location and format. The original file will remain open in Camera Raw, allowing you to continue working on it if needed.

Opening camera raw files in Photoshop

Opening a Camera Raw file in Photoshop is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• In Photoshop, go to "File | Open" from the menu bar. This will open the Open File dialog box.
• Select the Camera Raw file you want to open and click the "Open" button. If the file is in .RAW format, it will automatically open in Camera Raw. If not, go to the next step.
• With the image open in Photoshop, click on the "Filter" menu. Near the top, you will see the "Camera Raw Filter..." option. Click on this to open the image in Adobe Camera Raw.
• Make your desired adjustments in Camera Raw.
• Click "OK" to apply the adjustments and return to Photoshop.

Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut to open Adobe Camera Raw. Press "Shift + Cmd + A" on a Mac or "Shift + Ctrl + A" on a PC.

It is important to note that Camera Raw is not just for RAW files. It can also be used to edit JPEG and TIFF image files.

Opening a JPEG or TIFF File in Camera Raw

By default, Adobe Bridge opens JPEG and TIFF files directly into Photoshop, bypassing Camera Raw. To open these file types into Camera Raw, follow these steps:

• In Adobe Bridge, click on the JPEG or TIFF file's thumbnail to select it.
• Go to the "File" menu and choose "Open in Camera Raw." You can also use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+R" (Windows) or "Command+R" (Mac).
• Another way is to right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Mac) on the thumbnail and choose "Open in Camera Raw" from the menu.
• Make your desired adjustments in Camera Raw.
• Click "Done" to accept the changes and return to Adobe Bridge.

Using Camera Raw as a Smart Filter

When you apply adjustments directly to a pixel layer, the changes are permanent. To preserve adjustments between editing sessions, you can use Smart Objects in Photoshop. Here's how:

• Create a new Stamp Layer by selecting the top layer in the Layers Window and pressing "Shift + Option + Cmd + E" (Mac) or "Shift + Ctrl + Alt + E" (Windows).
• Convert the Stamp Layer into a Smart Object by going to "Filter | Convert for Smart Filter."
• You will now see a small icon in the bottom right of the thumbnail, indicating that the layer can use Smart Filters.
• Open the Camera Raw filter as before, make your adjustments, and click "OK."
• The Camera Raw filter will now be listed as a Smart Filter, allowing you to reopen and edit it at any time.

Frequently asked questions