Bluetick Loc: Flowery Branch, GA

Here's an easy one for many but as an old foggie I need some assistance converting RAW images into JPEGs. I have about 200 RAW images that I want to convert to JPEG. Although I have PS/LR CC I am very much of a novice with both and probably even less experienced than a novice. Is it possible to convert them using Lightroom and / or Photoshop? If so, can it be done as a batch process whereby I can convert them all at the same time or, do I have to do each image separately? I am using a PC with Windows 10 (which I hate) and the Microsoft Windows photo editor doesn't offer the capability of saving as another format anymore. Microsoft recently changed the program and that capability was eliminated. A very lame app for sure. So, any suggestions? I'm not above getting another converter that will accomplish the task but since I already have PS and LR I'd like to try to use them if I can. Thanks for your help ahead of time.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

First, understand that what you are seeing on screen is the JPEG rendering of the raw file.

You can certainly do what you ask in Lightroom - merely select all 200 images and go to File-->export and within the resulting pop-up window select the designated folder in which you want them, the size of the output, etc.

Hope that helps.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Just to clarify, do you know that raw files need to be edited? To expand on f8lee's comment, you're not seeing the "real" image. Converting straight to jpg without editing will not give you the same result as if you had shot strictly in jpg mode.

And if you, or someone else, does plan to edit the photos, you want to do from raw, not a file that's been converted to jpg. Maybe tell us what is your ultimate plan for these?

Batch processing using PS, which includes "Process a set of camera raw files using the same options" :

http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/processing-batch-files.html

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minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I'm not sure from your query whether you already have the raw files in Lightroom. If not, the first step has to be importing them into LR so you can see them. Once you see them, you'll know whether you need to make any changes in them. THEN you can export them as jpegs in one batch in a few keyboard clicks, as a batch.

Lightroom and PS are wonderful, powerful photo tools that can take your snapshots to the next level but only after you learn enough about them to use them as they are intended. Lots of folks try to fly by the seat of their pants with them and it can be very frustrating. Learn them via books, online or in person classes, or free videos on the internet, but it can be maddening to try and figure them out on the fly.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Most cameras have their own program that comes with camera and their program, I use Canons dpp and it will do batch conversion. I use dpp or most of my post processing. I am not familiar with with how the others work. I have read that the soft ware that comes with camera usually works well but will only work with that brand of camera.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Either LR or PS will work. The Adobe Camera Raw editor is part of each.

LR is an image database. It NEVER changes an original file --- but you can export changed versions to new files. Here's a quick overview:

Library lets you import proxy images and create database records for them. You can rate images up to five stars. You can "cull edit." LR creates a "catalog" which really is a database. You don't look at your originals, just proxies. Each image gets a database record that stores all your change commands and applies them in the proper order when you export, print, or post images to a web gallery.

Develop is ACR. It lets you adjust all the image parameters. Since it's NON-Destructive, you can always get back to the "look" you started from. If you need more tools, export to Photoshop and tinker there, then bring it back as a new image.

Other modules handle exporting, printing, and web posting duties.

It would be a shame not to learn some of the power that is there. Raw images really do NEED to be developed to bring out their best. That requires a calibrated and profiled monitor for accuracy. A calibration kit from DataColor or X-Rite uses a colorimeter and software to set your monitor to a known standard. Get one if you are serious about raw image editing.

I realize all this is daunting at first. However, take it Day by Day, and you'll get it!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

As mentioned already, the export process from LR will convert to JPEG in batch. As questioned by Linda, what is your editing process, not your conversion process? If you don't plan to edit the RAW files, why do they even exist and why didn't you just shoot JPEGs?

Bluetick Loc: Flowery Branch, GA

What a neat bunch! You are all so much help. Minniev you are so correct about the frustrating and maddening aspects. I have taken a class on each at our local community college but didn't absorb much. Instructor speed and my thick skull didn't help :-)

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Find your own learning style! I learn best by books, the old fashioned way. Others learn best by videos. Either of those, to me, is preferable to live classes because I have to rewind and repeat while I'm practicing on the computer, and real teachers won't always do that!

UHH has a post processing section that can be of help, and many of us help each other, so always feel free to reach out. Most of us here, with a few exceptions, are a friendly, helpful bunch!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Blue - there's a lot of free LR training in utube as well as probably more covering Photoshop. You just have to sit down for a few hours and watch and try. You'll determine which author(s) fit your style of learning or depth of need relatively quick.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Really? What makes you think that a screen representation is a JPEG? Can you support that assertion with any evidence?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

It's a bitmap... expanded from a jpeg OR converted from raw data, using editor defaults OR EXIF data from camera settings. There's actually a LOT of conversion happening there.

one_eyed_pete Loc: Colonie NY

Linda, Forgive me if I misunderstood but I'm confused by what I think you are saying. Did you mean to say all RAW images must be edited and did you mean to say the image you see on your monitor is not the real image? Certainly working with RAW files give you maximum opportunity to edit/enhance an image. What you see on your monitor is the RAW file data converted via software to an image you can see. Unless you purposefully take shots with incorrect exposure settings all RAW files wouldn't need editing. What you see on your monitor actually is the real image and should be what the export to JPEG would look like. If that's not true, how on earth would you know the effects of your edits.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

You only know the effects of your edits if you use properly CALIBRATED and PROFILED monitor. When that is the case, what you see is what you print.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Lots of good advice above , just know that if you convert to JPG with out any editing you will not get the same effects as you would have gotten if you shot in JPG.