How do I Retain CR2 format when Processing Multiple files RAW files when processed change to PSF format

malcolmb71121884  wrote Sorry its PSD not SPF. When I rename RAW files in Process Multiple Files and save them in a new folder they are saved as PSD files I can go back to the original RAW folder and they are there as RAW I do realize that RAW files are only data . I guess by your advise which  i do appreciate that retaining the original folder is a must if I need to preserve the RAW file

The good news is that your original raw files are still present and untouched in their original location. The edited versions in psd format are created by default in the Process Multiple Files job. That means you have the setting on the drop-down menu on the middle of the bottom bar set to 'Open in 16-bits'. That menu lets you choose to 'Open' (or to process) your files to get a 16-bits image to give you max quality without compression. If you choose the '8-bits' depth, the default is to save in the jpeg format you are expecting, much smaller but 'lossy' compressed. So, you can choose your output format by editing a file manually before the batch editing. That last setting is kept for the batch.

The other side of your question is 'where are the edited versions stored'? That depends on your settings of the Process Multiple files dialog. That can be in the same folder or in a new one.

Did you know you can edit a batch of raw files directly in the ACR editor, without the 'Process Multiple files' command? You open your selected files at the same time. You see them in a vertical filmstrip on the left and you apply common or individual settings. When you are happy, you 'Select All' and you have the choice to click the button:

- 'Done' to save the editing settings without creating a final version

- 'Open' to open all those files at the same time in the editor. There you can edit them as you like and save them in whatever file format you wish, like png, tiff...