Batch Processing with ACR (Adobe Camera Raw)

Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) is a powerful tool for photographers who need to process multiple images efficiently. Batch processing in Adobe Camera Raw can save significant amounts of time, especially when dealing with large numbers of photos.

Here’s a concise guide on how to perform batch processing with Adobe Camera Raw:

1. Open Multiple Images in Adobe Camera Raw

• Start by opening Adobe Bridge.
• Navigate to the folder containing the images you want to process.
• Select all the images you wish to edit (you can use Ctrl + A to select all or Ctrl + Click to select individual images).
• Right-click on one of the selected images and choose “Open in Camera Raw.”

2. Adjusting the First Image

• In the ACR interface, start editing the first image.
• Make adjustments to exposure, contrast, color balance, sharpening, noise reduction, or any other settings as per your requirement.
• This first image will serve as a reference for the batch process.

3. Synchronizing Settings Across Multiple Images

• Once you are satisfied with the adjustments on the first image, select all the other images you want to process.
• You can do this by clicking on the “Select All” button in the ACR interface.
• Click on the “Synchronize” button.
• A dialog box will appear, asking which settings you want to synchronize. Select the desired settings and click “OK.”

4. Making Individual Adjustments (If Necessary)

• After synchronizing, you can still make individual adjustments to each image if needed.
• Navigate between images and tweak adjustments as required.

5. Saving or Exporting the Images

• Once all adjustments are made, you can either save or export the images.
• To save the images, click “Done” to save the changes and close ACR.
• To export, click “Save Images” button, choose the format, location, and naming for the batch, and then click “Save.”

6. Additional Tips

• Use presets: ACR allows you to create presets for frequently used settings, which can speed up the batch processing.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with ACR’s keyboard shortcuts to make the process faster.
• Adjust workflow options: Before starting, ensure your workflow settings (like color space, bit depth, and resolution) are set as per your needs.

Batch processing in Adobe Camera Raw is a game-changer for photographers who deal with large volumes of images. By applying consistent adjustments to multiple images, you can maintain a uniform look across your work while saving time. Remember, while batch processing is efficient, always check each image for any necessary individual adjustments to ensure the highest quality.