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How to Edit Raw Images in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop Raw Editing 3 mins read

To edit raw images in Photoshop, you'll use the Camera Raw dialog. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Opening Raw Files

  • Access the Edit Workspace: Start by opening Photoshop and accessing its Edit workspace.
  • Open the File: Within the Edit workspace, navigate to File > Open.
  • Select Raw Files: In the file browser, locate and select the raw image files you want to edit. These typically have extensions like .CR2, .NEF, .ARW, .RAF and .DNG. Then, click Open.
  • Camera Raw Dialog: Opening a raw image will automatically launch the Camera Raw dialog box, not the standard Photoshop workspace. This is where you'll make your initial adjustments.

Using the Camera Raw Dialog

The Camera Raw dialog provides several tools to process your raw images:

  • Histogram: The histogram in the Camera Raw dialog shows the tonal range of your image and updates dynamically as you make adjustments.
  • Adjustment Sliders: You'll find sliders for various parameters such as:
    • Exposure: Controls the overall brightness of the image.
    • Contrast: Adjusts the difference between the dark and light areas.
    • Highlights: Recovers detail in overexposed areas.
    • Shadows: Brings out detail in underexposed areas.
    • Whites: Adjusts the brightness of the white point.
    • Blacks: Adjusts the brightness of the black point.
    • Temperature: Sets the color temperature, making the image warmer or cooler.
    • Tint: Adjusts the green or magenta tones.
    • Clarity: Adds or removes mid-tone contrast.
    • Vibrance: Enhances less saturated colors.
    • Saturation: Adjusts the overall color intensity.
  • Other tools: Besides sliders, the Camera Raw dialog offers other tools such as:
    • Crop tool: To trim away unwanted parts of the image.
    • Spot removal tool: To remove blemishes.
    • Adjustment brush: To selectively adjust parts of the image.
    • Graduated filter: To gradually affect brightness and color over an area.
    • Radial filter: To apply adjustments in an elliptical area.
  • Preview: Changes you make are previewed on screen and the histogram updates automatically.
  • Opening as an Object: Once you have completed your adjustments in the Camera Raw dialog, clicking the "Open Object" button opens your image as a Smart Object in the regular Photoshop workspace. This allows for non-destructive editing that preserves the original raw data.

Key Considerations

  • Non-Destructive Editing: Since you are using the Camera Raw dialog, it preserves the original raw file. Changes are recorded as instructions and not as alterations to the raw data.
  • Histogram Feedback: Regularly check the histogram as you make adjustments to avoid over or underexposing your image.
  • Workflow: Using the Camera Raw dialog is the standard first step in a non-destructive raw image editing workflow with Photoshop, allowing you to set the correct exposure and color before doing more complex image manipulation.
  • Batch Processing: The Camera Raw dialog also allows you to apply settings to multiple raw images at once.

By using the Camera Raw dialog, you have significant control over your raw image files and can achieve high-quality results.

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