NEF Files and ACR

Hi, can someone enlighten me regarding using Adobe Camera Raw to make

adjustments to my NEF files. My question is after making adjustments are the

adjustments saved in the NEF file or in a cache file on the PC. The reason I

ask is that I find Adobe Camera Raw far quicker and more user friendly than

the awesomely slow Nikon NX. Any comments would be welcome, regards all.

They are saved in a small file tied to the NEF. It is called a side car.

 

I too love the concept of NX, But talk about s l o o o w.

Its the first time i read someone that say that he prefer ACR vs NX...i will save this post : )

 

Ronald have the right & usefull answer indeed.

There are two ways to save ACR adjustments, in sidecar files as mentioned above and within

the original file. There are preference settings in Bridge for this. One way to assure your

files stay connected is to always use Bridge when moving files around.

A far easier method is to simply convert the *.NEF files to *.DNG format files using Adobe's free converter - then all changes are stored (non-destructively) in the DNG file.

A far easier method is to simply convert the *.NEF files to *.DNG format files using Adobe's free converter - then all changes are stored (non-destructively) in the DNG file.

If you are using ACR to process NEF files the settings are saved in a database on your computer unless you set ACR to save in a sidecar (xmp) file. If you are saving in sidecar files, they will have the same name as the image with an extension of xmp.

 

If you want ACR to save in the RAW image file, you will have to convert the NEF files to DNG files and then all settings will be saved in the DNG file. The only downside that I have found to this approach is other editing software may not work with DNG files - Capture NX does not work with DNG files.