RAW Format

Out of the box, ZPS X is able to work with a wide range of “RAW format” files, containing raw, unprocessed camera output. It uses its own internal RAW processing for this. For RAW files that ZPS X is not able to process in this way, you can use another RAW processing method—for example installing Adobe DNG Converter. A listing of the cameras for which we support RAW processing can be found here.

If you have Adobe DNG Converter installed on your computer in the standard location, Zoner Photo Studio X automatically detects this tool and activates additional settings for it. A DNG converter is used in ZPS X to convert a RAW file’s image data into a temporary DNG file that ZPS X knows how to work with.

Ikona. – if DNG Converter is not in its standard folder (C:\Program files\Adobe\Adobe DNG Converter\), you can show ZPS X its location manually.
CAUTION: One common mistake when connecting ZPS X with DNG Converter is to point ZPS at the installer for DNG Converter. Make sure to run this installer and actually install DNG Converter as your first step after downloading it.
Ikona. – deletes the path to the DNG converter and restores these extra settings back to internal processing.

Use the Convert to linear image (interpolate) when converting to DNG setting to set whether the “demosaicing” process is performed in the DNG Converter, or instead later on in Develop.

For each RAW file, ZPS X stores information in the photo’s metadata about which RAW loading mode to use. To change a photo’s RAW processing mode, use its right-click menu, or the Manager’s top menu: Information | Develop Module Adjustments | RAW Loading Mode.

RAW-loading mode to use for unadjusted RAW files: use the menu here to set the RAW processing method for files that don’t yet have any adjustments from the Develop Module.

RAW-loading mode to use for RAW files adjusted in older ZPS versions: – use the menu here to set the RAW processing method for files that have been adjusted in the Develop module of Zoner Photo Studio releases from before autumn 2021.

These notification icons can appear inside pictures’ thumbnails:

Ikona. – this photo most likely cannot be processed using the program’s internal RAW processing.
Ikona. – this photo was processed using the DNG Converter, which is currently either not installed or not connected to ZPS X.

For more information on any of these notifications, double-click its icon.

Use the Manage Default Adjustments option when you want to set different default (starting) adjustments for RAW files from different camera models.

More Information

How to Integrate Adobe DNG Converter into Zoner Photo Studio

Why Doesn’t My RAW Look Like It Did in the Camera?

More information

The RAW Format

How to Integrate Adobe DNG Converter into Zoner Photo Studio

Why Doesn’t My RAW Look Like It Did in the Camera?