Working on merged files in ACR

[david_herman4]

<p>I have recently been doing some stitching, stacking, and HDR Pro merges of my RAWs in CS5. From reading a few authors books I am understanding that it is very advantageous to do as much editing(both global and local), in ACR as it is totally non destructive, and for using some tools, easier or quicker than CS5 itself.<br>

Since ACR will not work with layered files, must all RAW files first be merged,stitched,etc, then flattened and re-opened before any further edits can be performed in ACR? By doing so, am I degrading the file? Is there a better way to get around this limitation in ACR. There doesn't appear to be any way to utilize 'smart objects' either unless I'm missing something.<br>

Thanks in advance,<br>

David</p>

[bill_brown8]

<p>Hi David<br>

If you're stitching or using HDR Pro then you will have to flatten the image and save it as a JPG. Then use Bridge to open your file in ACR. Go to File - Open in Camera Raw.<br>

Regards Bill</p>