When to use Camera Raw?

Although many photographers use it, you probably don't need to use Camera Raw. In many cases, it won't provide much benefit and will increase your editing time. However, there are a few cases where Camera Raw makes sense.

3. You use Lightroom CC instead of Classic

While Lightroom CC now has a color correction tool, it still lacks some features you'll find in Camera Raw. For example, you can't move the histogram around by clicking on it.

The histogram tool is great for keeping the brightness levels of an image consistent. It's useful even when you're just looking at it, and actually managing each section is even better.

Camera Raw is also better if you want to edit your photos by applying a grid format. Doing so will allow you to get more fine-tuned adjustments.

2. You do most of your editing in Photoshop

Some users prefer editing in Photoshop because of the interface, while others prefer its features and being able to streamline their workflow better. You can also create pop-out photo effects and more from within the app. If you're one of those people, using Camera Raw makes more sense.

Instead of having to import your images, you can keep everything in one place and complete edits more efficiently. This is especially true since Camera Raw has many of the same editing sliders as Lightroom .

1. You forgot to make edits in Lightroom

Even if you have a well-defined Lightroom editing workflow that you've followed hundreds of times, you'll still forget to make adjustments from time to time. You may also review your images after editing and realize that you don't like the way they look.

In both cases, Camera Raw is good for making small adjustments. Once you apply these adjustments, you can continue editing as normal.

Everyone says RAW is the best way to edit photos, but is it? While it offers more editing power, it can sometimes be overkill. If you choose to edit with Camera Raw just because 'it's better,' you're probably wasting your time.

Marvin Fry

Update 25 May 2025