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DonnaInGarland
Inspiring
April 23, 2018
Answered

RAW to DNG. Why did this launch automatically?

  • April 23, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 19049 views

I import all my RAW files to Lightroom and edit them without converting them to DNG format.  With that last software upgrade, LR is converting all my RAW files to DNG.  I don't want this.  It is super-time-consuming.  How do I stop it from converting my files?

    Correct answer DonnaInGarland

    Yes, there is definitely a way to make it stop. The next time you import, double check the options right at the top of the import dialog in the middle of the top border. There are different options. I suspect that somehow, either automatically or you have inadvertently chosen the "Copy as DNG" option and you want to change to the "Add" option.


    I really appreciate that, but I did check that.  I've got "Add" highlighted.  Should I have just highlighted "Copy?"  I will try that and come back.

    2 replies

    hazelt67110196
    hazelt67110196
    Participating Frequently
    February 25, 2021

    Lightroom Classic automatically converts my Cr2 raw files to DNG.  I see that you are supposed to be able to choose DNG or not.  Now that it automatically imported as DNG it will not allow me to choose anything else.  I'm ready to get rid of it.  Way too time consuming.  I have the latest version.

    Rob_Cullen
    Rob_Cullen
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2021

    Looking back to your posts I see you have a Canon M5- Correct?

    This camera, and the CR2 files, has been supported by Lightroom-Classic since cc2015.8

    Now if you are seeing DNG raw files there are three ways these can be created-

    1) YOU used the Adobe DNG Converter software

    2) You IMPORTED the files to the Catalog with the [COPY as DNG] option checked.

    3) You selected the CR2 files in the Catalog and used the MENU to Convert the CR2s to DNG.

    Do you know which way you converted your CR2s?

     

    If you do not want the raw files as DNG- (Going forward) simply IMPORT the CR2 files with the "COPY"  option.

    Or if the CR2s are already in your hard-drive folders- IMPORT with the "ADD" option.

    If you cannot Import with either of these two options, then something else is amiss and you need to explain more with error messages quoted and screen-clips.

    (You cannot make the DNGs 'go back' to CR2, unless you embedded the original CR2 in the DNG)

     

    Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.0, Photoshop 27.0, ACR 18.0, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0 .
      hazelt67110196
      hazelt67110196
      Participating Frequently
      May 17, 2021

      Yes, it's a Canon M5.  Thanks for responding.  I tossed Lightroom Classic out of frustration, trying to follow directions, but it just kept converting.  I wasn't using the catalogue, just trying to import from my raw files on my laptop.  I'd rather use my own system for organizing.  I wasn't using the converter software, either.  I had no intention of converting.  Add vs Copy might have been the problem.  So it looks like I should always use ADD.  You must get frustrated with our repetitive questions.  Thanks.

      JP Hess
      JP Hess
      Inspiring
      April 23, 2018

      Is it converting every raw file to DNG, or just new imports? If it's just new imports then perhaps you have overlooked what option is selected at the top of the import dialog, perhaps the option to "Copy as DNG" has been selected.

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        DonnaInGarlandAuthor
        Inspiring
        April 23, 2018

        It is only converting the new files I import.

        I did not change any settings between the old SW and Update.

        One should "have to select" photos to be converted and "choose to convert."  I have never done this.

        It doesn't damage anything that this occurs, but it is VERY time consuming when I process hundreds.

        Is there some way to make it stop?

        MAC OS btw

          D
          DonnaInGarlandAuthorCorrect answer
          Inspiring
          April 23, 2018

          Yes, there is definitely a way to make it stop. The next time you import, double check the options right at the top of the import dialog in the middle of the top border. There are different options. I suspect that somehow, either automatically or you have inadvertently chosen the "Copy as DNG" option and you want to change to the "Add" option.


          I really appreciate that, but I did check that.  I've got "Add" highlighted.  Should I have just highlighted "Copy?"  I will try that and come back.

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