Elements 2023 and Camera Raw

Melden · Dec 24, 2023

Elements 23 (with Windows 10) will not load ARW Raw files from my new Sony A6700 camera. Apparently the problem is that while Adobe's site says Elements 2023 should work with Camera Raw plug-in version 15.1 or later, Elements 23 will in fact not load any Camera Raw version later than 14.5. And Adobe is disinclined to do anything to rectify this omission.

After reading the posts I tried the recommended solution of downloading the latest (16.1) version of the plug-in directly from Adobe's site, but after downloading it I received a message that the download "Could not be verified" and I could go no further. Interestingly, when (just to satisfy my curiosity) I downloaded version 14.5 of the plug-in from the same Adobe webpage, I received a "Verified" message immediately. Presumbably, if I had proceded to install the verified version 14.5 I would have been able to load any old Raw files except of course, the ones I am trying to load from my new camera!

Anyone know of any workarounds that will get version 16.1 of the Camera Raw plugin "Verified", or to get it to work with Elements 23?

Melden · Dec 24, 2023

You haven't stated which posts you have followed to get to where you are. Some of the posts discussing this issue will redirect you to an updated HelpX article that does not work. You need to use a workaround that Adobe no longer officially supports but has never given me any problem. I have just used it to update my Elements 2023 to ACR 16.1 without any problem.

So, first, download and install the latest ACR (16.1) update from this page. If you already did this, you may not have realized that this installs the ACR plug-in in the directory used by Photoshop CC which you probably don't have. It does not automatically install ACR for Elements. If you were getting a message that the file could not be verified, that was probably your anti-virus or firewall software that was giving you the message. AFAIK, it has nothing to do with Adobe. My Norton AV software cleared the file without any issue.
Now that the plug-in is stored on your computer, go to the following directory and copy the Camera Raw.8bi file. C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-Ins\CC\File Formats
Next, go to the following directory and rename the existing Camera Raw.8bi file: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-Ins\Elements 21\File Formats. (It is recommended that you rename the file with a tilde (~) prefix so the name will be something like ~Camera Raw.OLD.)
Finally, paste the copied plug-in file into the same directory.

BTW, you haven't told us what OS you are using. I assume it is Windows. But if you are using a Mac, the correct directories will be found in this article.

Melden · Dec 26, 2023

Thanks for the suggestion Greg.

I did do what you suggest and copied the ACR 16.1 8bi file from CC to Elements 21 folder, except I replaced the old 8bi file in the Elements 21 folder with the new 16.1 file, and did not retain/rename the old file (although I did make a copy of it and kept it on my desktop.). After messing about with this problem for hours I did, eventually, find a way around it, albeit a very clumsy and awkward one. When I want to edit an ARW file what I do now is go into the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Plug Ins\Elements 21\File Formats folder, and double click the Camera Raw 8bi file (the 16.1 one that I copied from the CC folder). I found that doing that starts up Elements 23 at the Edit page able to load ARW files with all the raw editing functions I need. But for some reason, when I start Elements 23 in the conventional way, it just won't connect with and invoke the 8bi plug in file in the Elements 21 File Formats folder.

Anyway, I'll go over the procedure again, following the steps in your note, to see if I misstepped somewhere. By the way you guessed right - I have Windoiws 10 (I did mention that in the first line of my note)

Melden · Aug 26, 2024

Great, that worked for me! Thank you!!!

Regards, Janette

Melden · Nov 14, 2024

Brilliant instructions Greg. I've been bashing my head against a wall for days on this one. Your suggestion worked perfectly.

Melden · Feb 11, 2025

Thank You Greg!

This kind of stuff is way above my pay grade and due to my level of computer illiteracy, just reading your instructions gave me anxiety. I was desperate and knew this had to be done, so with great trepidation, I followed your well written instructions carefully and it worked on my first attempt. Thank you for taking your personal valuable time to help people like me who are lost without people like you!

Ken

Melden · May 06, 2025

followed your suggestion and it worked wonderfully. Thanks!

Melden · May 06, 2025

I had to restart the Elements photo editor after following the instructions and it worked.

Melden · Dec 28, 2023

I've got 15.2 installed on 23 - I'll see if I can install 16.1 just for the fun of it.

Most users when they have problems iwth manually instally ACR using the "work around" due to puttheing the 8bi file in the wrong location.

Melden · Dec 28, 2023

ACR 16.1 in pse 2023 (version 21). I've manually installed acr in various versions probably about 30 or 40 times. I still double check , and triple check the location I'm putting the new 8bi file into.

USE THIS TO DOWNLOAD ACR:
https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-plug-in-installer.html

Melden · Dec 28, 2023

Location location location.