Opening Images in 8 bit instead of 16 bit

[Outtacontext]

Last week, I upgraded my MacOS to Monterey from Big Sur. Since then, whenever I open an 8 bit image, it opens in 16 bit. How can I make Photoshop open it in 8 bit by default? Or is this controlled by Photoshop (if so, I haven't been able to find anything in the preferences)?

[Per Berntsen]

Are you opening raw files from Camera Raw?

If so, you choose bit depth in the Workflow settings (click the underlined text below the image in Camera Raw).

If they are not raw files, are you absolutely sure they are 8-bit?

Photoshop doesn't change the bit depth unless you tell it to do so.

[Outtacontext]

No, I'm double-clicking on the file in the Finder. Before I upgraded to Monterey, my files opened in 8 bit. Now they're opening in 16 bit. I seem to remember this happening the last time I upgraded my MacOS (although, I also recently updated Photoshop to ver 24 too).

[Stephen Marsh]

What are the file types/extensions?

[TheDigitalDog]

Opening how? 

Per’s explanation is the only one that makes sense; opening in Camera Raw then it upsampling to high bit due to Workflow setting a to do so. 

[ExileHouseCreative]

I had this problem too wit Raws - the update changed the default color space - go to:

Edit > Preferences > Camera Raw > Workflow and change the depth to 8 bit under "Colorspace"

I hate how Adobe just decides unilaterally to change presets like that with new versions. I have grown terrified of updates because of this. Like, do they *ask* if anyone wants this, or just do it to jerk us around on purpose?

[TheDigitalDog]

I hate how Adobe just decides unilaterally to change presets like that with new versions. I have grown terrified of updates because of this. Like, do they *ask* if anyone wants this, or just do it to jerk us around on purpose?

By @ExileHouseCreative

If you set ACRs preferences to open 8-bit per color and a fixed color space and after an update it changed, you have to check to keep preferences (what you call a “preset”) which is the default. Further, you need to pay attention to the Workflow options always visible at the bottom of the UI. Looks like a web link.

[Paula34832262kpxp]

This worked for me. Thank you!

[ExileHouseCreative]

@Naranda24684259bhuz  is right, it's a colorspace issue. I have had it with opening raw files.

To fix the open image, go to:

Image > Mode and check "8-bit" instead of "16-bit"

But to permanently fix the default settings, go to: 

Edit > Preferences > Camera Raw > Workflow and change the depth to 8 bit under "Colorspace"

I do not understand why Adobe thinks anyone wants defaults unilaterally changed like this, it causes so much frustration and confusion, expecially for obscure stuff like this that may not be immediately noticeable.