ACR, raw and .xmp files - A couple of questions

[swag72]

I am changing my workflow and the way that I save images as I have a new HDD and want to be more organised. I am also using ACR for the first time.

My lack of understanding results in the following dumb questions!!

When I open ACR I get the .cr2 raw file. I can edit this and save it and then I get a corresponding .xmp file
What I don't get is how, at a later date, I can open the edited raw file. All I can open is the .cr2 file, I can do nothing with the .xmp file

If I want to change my workflow and save the original raw files (Which I've never done) I want to be able to open the edits - SO how can I do this? :bonk:

 

[Chaz Photos]

Any edits to your RAW are non-destructive so you still have your original file as is.. when you open it again you will see it with your last ACR settings but you can hit default and it will go back to as taken.
Hope this helps

 

[swag72]

So ................. The .xmp file automatically opens with the edit?

Yep, just tried it!! So, next question is what format do you then save it in from there? Tiff?

 

[Chaz Photos]

So ................. The .xmp file automatically opens with the edit?

Yep, just tried it!! So, next question is what format do you then save it in from there? Tiff?

when you save in ACR its saved as your RAW with the xmp tagged to it.
I open it in PS CS4 as a 16bit tiff then save as PSD you can save it as Tiff if you want or make it 8bit and save as JPG when finished

 

[swag72]

PSE8 only works in 8 bit - Is that still OK to save as PSD or Tiff?

 

[Chaz Photos]

I don't know PSE8 I use CS4 but yes I think best to save in PSD as it is the Photoshop file type but TIFF will also save all your layers as well.

 

[swag72]

Thanks Chaz, you're extremely quick and helpful with these silly ques that I should know the answers to :bonk:

Next silly question - When I open the .cr2 image and save it, it automatically saves it as .dng

If I want to keep the raw file, do I need to move that seperately to my HDD? I can't do that through PSE8 can I?

 

[Chaz Photos]

when you save in ACR there is a dropdown you can change to what type you want.
I don't use this I just hit done if I am not going to work on it right away ...

 

[swag72]

The drop down in ACR only allows a .dng or .DNG file to be saved. If I press done then the raw file and the .xmp is saved back on my CF card. Then I need to move that to the HDD yes?

 

[Chaz Photos]

The drop down in ACR only allows a .dng or .DNG file to be saved. If I press done then the raw file and the .xmp is saved back on my CF card. Then I need to move that to the HDD yes?

Ah you not putting them on your computer You not point this out in OP
This is the first thing I do, I plug my CF card into my computer and ZoomBrowser downloads them in to Pictures and makes a folder for each date photos are taken.
My maine drive C: is a 1Tb which I have all my software on I have Drive F 1 Tb for all date and then I have an external 1Tb for back up

 

[swag72]

Ah, got it - Thanks Chaz

Didn't mention about the computer in the OP as I didn't know that was important or even relevant. Lack of knowledge and understanding is a confusing thing for all