To efficiently convert your raw camera files to DNG on import into Adobe Lightroom Classic, navigate directly to the Import dialog box. When you connect your camera or insert your memory card, or by choosing ‘File > Import Photos and Video’, select the images you wish to import. In the “File Handling” panel on the right-hand side of the Import dialog, you’ll find the ‘File Renaming’ and ‘Apply During Import’ sections. Under ‘File Handling’, simply choose “Copy as DNG” from the “Copy” dropdown menu at the top of the dialog. This is the direct and straightforward method to ensure your raw files are converted to DNG during the import process. This approach is highly recommended for photographers seeking to standardize their raw file format, benefit from DNG’s long-term archival stability, and potentially reduce file sizes while maintaining image quality. For those looking for an alternative or faster raw processing solution with powerful features, consider checking out 👉 AfterShot Pro 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included, which offers a robust toolset for managing and editing your photos. Converting to DNG on import streamlines your workflow and helps avoid potential issues like “Lightroom convert to DNG after import” complications or the common query “can’t import DNG to Lightroom” by establishing a consistent and compatible format from the outset.

Table of Contents

Understanding DNG and Its Benefits for Your Workflow

The Digital Negative DNG format is an open-source, highly compatible, and long-term archival format for digital photographs, originally developed by Adobe.

When you choose to “Lightroom convert to DNG on import,” you’re making a strategic decision that can impact your entire post-processing workflow.

One of the primary advantages of DNG is its ability to embed original raw file data, along with metadata and preview images, into a single file.

This simplifies file management and reduces the potential for file corruption or loss of associated sidecar files XMP files.

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Many photographers find that DNG conversion offers slight file size reductions without compromising image quality, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with large volumes of high-resolution raw files.

For instance, a typical uncompressed Canon CR2 file might be 30MB, but its DNG equivalent could be around 25MB, representing a 15-20% saving.

This reduction can free up valuable storage space and potentially speed up loading times within Lightroom.

Moreover, DNG files are often more universally readable across different raw converters and software versions than proprietary raw formats, future-proofing your image library.

This can be especially important for professional photographers who need to ensure their archives remain accessible for decades to come, independent of specific camera manufacturers’ software updates.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Convert to DNG on Import

Converting your raw files to DNG during the import process in Lightroom Classic is a straightforward procedure that ensures consistency and optimizes your library from the very beginning. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:

Initiate the Import Process:
- Method 1 From a Camera/Card: Connect your camera or insert your memory card into your computer. Lightroom Classic should automatically detect it and prompt you to import. If not, go to File > Import Photos and Video...
- Method 2 From a Folder: Navigate to the folder containing your raw images on your hard drive. Drag and drop the folder directly into the Lightroom Library module, or use File > Import Photos and Video... and select the folder.
Select Your Images:
- In the Import dialog, on the left panel under “Source,” select the specific device or folder you wish to import from.
- The main grid view will display thumbnails of the images available for import. By default, all images are selected. You can uncheck any images you don’t want to import.
Choose “Copy as DNG”:
- Look at the very top of the Import dialog box. You’ll see several options: Copy as DNG, Copy, Move, and Add.
- Crucially, select “Copy as DNG”. This tells Lightroom to ingest your original raw files, convert them to DNG, and then copy these new DNG files to your designated storage location. The original raw files will remain on your source camera card/original folder.
Define Destination and Other Import Settings:
- File Handling Right Panel:
  - Build Previews: Choose Standard or 1:1 1:1 is more time-consuming but offers better immediate viewing.
  - Don’t Import Suspected Duplicates: Keep this checked to avoid clutter.
- File Renaming: Optional but recommended
  - Check Rename Files.
  - From the Template dropdown, choose a naming convention that suits your workflow e.g., Date-Filename, Custom Name - Sequence. Consistency here is key.
- Apply During Import: Highly recommended for efficiency
  - Develop Settings: If you have a default preset you apply to all images e.g., lens corrections, basic sharpening, select it here.
  - Metadata: Apply your standard copyright and contact information here. This is a crucial step for protecting your work.
  - Keywords: Begin applying general keywords that describe the entire batch of images e.g., “Paris travel,” “family portraits”.
- Destination Right Panel, Bottom:
  - Under To, select the hard drive and the specific folder where you want your DNG files to be stored. Lightroom remembers your last chosen location, but always double-check.
  - You can choose to organize your photos by Date e.g., 2023/12-25 or Into one folder.
Click “Import”:
- Once all settings are configured to your preference, click the Import button at the bottom right of the dialog.
- Lightroom will begin the process of copying, converting, and cataloging your DNG files. The time this takes will depend on the number and size of your files, as well as your computer’s processing power.

By following these steps, you ensure that every new image entering your Lightroom catalog is already in the DNG format, simplifying your library management and leveraging the benefits of this versatile file type from day one.

Benefits of DNG Conversion on Import

Converting your raw files to DNG on import offers several compelling advantages for photographers, streamlining workflows and enhancing file longevity.

Enhanced Archival Stability and Future Compatibility

One of the most significant benefits of DNG is its open-source nature.

Unlike proprietary raw formats e.g., .CR2, .NEF, .ARW that are specific to camera manufacturers and can sometimes be challenging to open with older or non-native software, DNG is designed for universal readability.

This makes it an ideal format for long-term archiving.

Open Standard: DNG is publicly documented and controlled by Adobe, ensuring that its specifications are accessible to anyone who wants to develop software that can read and write DNG files. This is a stark contrast to proprietary formats, whose specifications are often kept confidential by camera companies.
Reduced Risk of Obsolescence: As camera technology evolves rapidly, older raw formats can sometimes become unsupported or require specific converters. DNG, being an open standard, significantly reduces the risk of your valuable image archives becoming inaccessible in the future. Imagine looking back at your photos in 20 or 30 years. DNG offers a higher guarantee of access.
Embedded Raw Data: DNG files can embed the original, unconverted raw data within themselves, meaning you technically retain the original proprietary raw file information even after conversion. This provides a safety net if, for some unforeseen reason, you ever need to extract the original data.

Potential for Smaller File Sizes Without Quality Loss

While not always a dramatic difference, DNG conversion can often result in slightly smaller file sizes compared to proprietary raw formats, without any perceptible loss in image quality.

Lossless Compression: DNG employs a sophisticated lossless compression algorithm. This means that while the file size may decrease, no image data is discarded. The decompression process fully reconstructs the original raw data, pixel for pixel.
Metadata Efficiency: Proprietary raw files often contain redundant metadata or additional data specific to the camera’s internal processing. DNG cleans this up, storing only the essential raw image data and standardized metadata. This optimization can lead to file size reductions ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on the camera model and the original raw file. For example, a study by The Digital Picture comparing Canon’s CR2 files to DNG equivalents found average savings of around 15%.
Storage and Performance Benefits: For photographers managing vast libraries of images, even a small percentage reduction per file can translate into significant savings in hard drive space over time. For a library of 100,000 raw files averaging 30MB each, a 15% reduction could save approximately 450GB of storage. This can also potentially lead to faster loading times within Lightroom, as smaller files are quicker to read and process.

Self-Contained Files No XMP Sidecar Files

One of the most practical workflow advantages of DNG conversion is the elimination of separate XMP sidecar files.

Integrated Metadata: When you make adjustments to a proprietary raw file in Lightroom, those edits, along with keywords, ratings, and other metadata, are stored in a separate “.xmp” file alongside the original raw file. This means you have two files to manage for every image.
Streamlined File Management: DNG files embed all this metadata directly within the DNG file itself. This means you have a single, self-contained file for each image. This dramatically simplifies backup routines, file transfers, and general organization. You no longer need to worry about accidentally separating an XMP file from its corresponding raw file, which could lead to losing your edits and metadata.
Error Reduction: The “can’t import DNG to Lightroom” issue is less likely to occur with self-contained DNGs, as all necessary information is within the single file, reducing dependencies that could cause import errors.

Enhanced Error Detection and Data Integrity

DNG files incorporate internal checksums that can detect corruption.

Built-in Verification: Each DNG file contains a checksum, a unique digital fingerprint calculated from its content. If even a single bit of data changes in the file due to drive errors, transfer issues, etc., the checksum will no longer match, indicating corruption.
Early Detection: Lightroom and other DNG-compatible software can automatically check these checksums upon opening or validating files. This allows for early detection of data integrity issues, giving photographers a chance to recover from backups before corrupted files are widely used or distributed. This proactive approach to data integrity is a significant advantage over proprietary raw formats that often lack such robust internal verification mechanisms.

By embracing DNG on import, photographers can build a more robust, efficient, and future-proof image library.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions About DNG

While DNG offers many benefits, some photographers harbor concerns or operate under misconceptions.

Addressing these can help you make an informed decision.

“Loss of Original Raw Data”

This is a common concern, but it’s largely a misunderstanding of how DNG conversion works.

Lossless Conversion: When Lightroom converts a proprietary raw file to DNG, it’s a lossless conversion. This means that all the original raw image data the un-interpolated sensor data is preserved. Nothing is thrown away or downsampled. The term “lossless” ensures that the pixel-level information required to render the image is fully intact.
Embedding Original Raw: Moreover, Lightroom offers an option during DNG conversion to embed the original raw file within the DNG. This essentially creates a DNG “wrapper” around your original NEF, CR2, or ARW file. While this increases the DNG file size as it contains both the DNG and the original raw, it provides a complete safety net, allowing you to extract the original raw file later if desired, proving that no data was “lost” from the initial capture. In practice, most users do not embed the original raw, relying on the lossless nature of the DNG conversion itself.
Industry Acceptance: Major camera manufacturers and software developers have largely embraced DNG as a viable and robust format. Its widespread adoption is a testament to its reliability and the fact that it preserves critical image data.

Perceived Performance Issues

Some users report slower performance when working with DNG files, but this is often anecdotal or tied to specific hardware/software configurations.

Initial Conversion Time: The primary “performance hit” occurs during the import process itself. Converting raw files to DNG on import adds a computational step, which will naturally take longer than simply copying native raw files. The time taken depends on the number of files, their size, and your computer’s CPU speed. However, this is a one-time cost.
Post-Conversion Performance: Once converted and imported, DNG files generally perform comparably to native raw files within Lightroom. In some cases, due to their optimized structure and smaller size if lossless compression is applied, DNGs can even be slightly faster to load or render previews. Benchmarks from various photography tech sites often show negligible differences in editing performance.
Pre-existing Catalog Issues: If users experience slowness with DNGs, it’s often due to an unoptimized Lightroom catalog, insufficient RAM, or a slow hard drive, rather than the DNG format itself. For instance, a common recommendation for optimal Lightroom performance is to have at least 16GB of RAM, with 32GB being ideal for heavy users. Using an SSD for your catalog and image cache also dramatically improves performance.

Software Compatibility with Other Applications

While DNG is an open standard, some users worry about compatibility with non-Adobe software.

Widespread Adoption: DNG has been widely adopted by a broad range of photo editing software, including Capture One though they treat it differently than native raws, Affinity Photo, DxO PhotoLab, and many open-source raw converters. Most major players in the photography software ecosystem can read and process DNG files.
Ongoing Support: Adobe continues to update and maintain the DNG specification, ensuring its relevance and compatibility with new camera models and technologies. When a new camera is released, its raw format support is often prioritized for DNG conversion in Lightroom.
Specialized Software: Very specialized or niche software that works exclusively with proprietary raw formats might be an exception. However, for the vast majority of photographers using mainstream editing applications, DNG compatibility is not an issue. If you are using a very specific workflow that relies on a non-DNG-compatible application, testing a DNG workflow with that software is prudent before full adoption. This often involves exporting a TIFF or JPEG from Lightroom for use in such specialized applications.

Understanding these points helps demystify DNG and highlights why it remains a powerful and practical choice for many photographers.

When to Consider Converting to DNG After Import

While converting to DNG on import is the most efficient method for many, there are valid scenarios where converting after import might be preferable.

Existing Raw Library Conversion

If you have a large, established library of proprietary raw files e.g., NEF, CR2, ARW that you’ve managed in Lightroom for years, importing new files as DNG won’t affect your existing collection.

To standardize your entire archive, you’ll need to convert these files to DNG after they’ve already been imported.

Bulk Conversion: Lightroom Classic allows you to select multiple folders or your entire catalog and convert them to DNG. This is done by selecting the files in the Library module, then going to Library > Convert Photos to DNG....
Staged Conversion: For very large libraries, it’s often practical to convert in stages e.g., by year or project rather than attempting a single, massive conversion that could tie up your computer for days.
Backup First: Before undertaking any large-scale file conversion, always create a full backup of your entire image library and Lightroom catalog. This is non-negotiable to prevent data loss.

Speeding Up Initial Import

In situations where you need to import a large batch of images as quickly as possible—perhaps on location, or when you have limited time—bypassing the DNG conversion during import can save precious minutes or hours.

Rapid Ingestion: Choosing “Copy” instead of “Copy as DNG” during import will simply copy your proprietary raw files to your hard drive. This is generally faster as it skips the CPU-intensive DNG conversion step.
Post-Production Conversion: Once the images are copied, and you have more time e.g., back at your studio or office, you can then select the newly imported raw files in Lightroom and convert them to DNG using the Library > Convert Photos to DNG... option.

Handling Specific Camera Raw Files

Occasionally, a brand-new camera model might release a proprietary raw format that Lightroom doesn’t immediately support for DNG conversion upon its initial software update.

Temporary Proprietary Format: In such rare cases, you might need to import the files in their native raw format first, wait for a subsequent Lightroom update that fully supports the new raw format for DNG conversion, and then convert them after import.
Adobe Camera Raw Updates: Adobe regularly releases updates to its Camera Raw engine, which underpins Lightroom’s raw processing and DNG conversion capabilities. These updates often add support for the latest cameras.
Niche or Early Adopter Scenarios: This situation is more common for early adopters of brand-new camera models or those working with niche camera systems. For the vast majority of established camera models, DNG conversion on import works seamlessly.

While “Lightroom convert to DNG on import” is a powerful default, understanding these scenarios allows for a flexible and optimized workflow that adapts to specific needs.

Troubleshooting “Can’t Import DNG to Lightroom” Issues

Encountering a situation where you “can’t import DNG to Lightroom” can be frustrating, especially given DNG’s reputation for compatibility. Here are common reasons and troubleshooting steps.

Corrupt DNG Files

Problem: DNG files can become corrupted during transfer, storage, or if they were created improperly by non-Adobe software. A corrupted DNG won’t be readable by Lightroom.
Symptoms: Error messages during import like “File is corrupt,” “File is unreadable,” or the DNG simply doesn’t appear in the import dialog.
Troubleshooting:
- Source Check: If the DNGs were created by another application, try to open them in that application or another DNG-compatible viewer e.g., Adobe Bridge. If they don’t open there, they are likely corrupted.
- Re-download/Re-transfer: If you downloaded the DNGs, try downloading them again. If they were transferred from a memory card or external drive, try re-transferring them, ensuring your cables and card readers are functional.
- Checksum Verification: Some advanced tools can verify DNG checksums. If you have a backup, compare the checksums of the original and the problematic file.
- Prevention: Always ensure stable connections during transfers and use reliable storage. Back up your files regularly.

Outdated Lightroom Version

Problem: Lightroom Classic needs to be updated to support the DNG format created by newer cameras or newer versions of DNG. While DNG is an open standard, its specification evolves, and specific camera profiles within DNG files might require a more recent Adobe Camera Raw engine.
Symptoms: DNG files from a very new camera appear as unreadable or have color/rendering issues, or older DNGs from other software won’t import.
- Update Lightroom Classic: Go to Help > Updates... in Lightroom Classic, or use the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app to ensure you have the latest version. For optimal compatibility, it’s generally recommended to keep your Lightroom Classic installation up-to-date. As of late 2023, Lightroom Classic version 13.x and above offers robust DNG support.
- Check Camera Compatibility: Visit Adobe’s camera raw compatibility page search “Adobe Camera Raw supported cameras” to see if your camera model and its specific DNG output are supported by your current Lightroom version.

Incorrect File Permissions or Drive Issues

Problem: Lightroom needs read/write permissions for the folders where the DNGs are located and where it intends to copy them. If permissions are restricted, or the target drive has issues, import will fail.
Symptoms: Error messages like “Destination folder is not writable,” “Cannot copy files,” or “Access denied.”
- Check Folder Permissions:
  - macOS: Select the folder, Cmd+I Get Info, expand “Sharing & Permissions,” and ensure your user account has Read & Write privileges.
  - Windows: Right-click the folder, Properties > Security tab, and ensure your user account has Full Control or Modify permissions.
- Disk Space: Ensure both the source and destination drives have sufficient free space for the DNG files.
- Drive Health: Run a disk utility Disk Utility on macOS, Chkdsk on Windows to check for errors on the drive where the DNGs are stored or where you’re trying to import them.
- Antivirus Interference: Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it’s blocking Lightroom’s access to the files or folders. Remember to re-enable it afterward.
- External Drive Connection: If importing from an external drive, ensure it’s properly connected and not in a read-only state. Try a different USB port or cable.

Addressing these common issues systematically can help resolve most “can’t import DNG to Lightroom” scenarios, allowing you to proceed with your workflow.

Optimizing Your Lightroom Workflow with DNG

Integrating DNG conversion strategically can significantly enhance your Lightroom workflow beyond just import.

Streamlined Backup and Archiving

Single File Simplicity: With all metadata embedded within the DNG file, backing up becomes incredibly straightforward. Instead of worrying about pairing XMP sidecar files with raw files, you only need to copy the DNG files. This reduces the risk of accidental data loss during transfers or when moving files between drives.
Checksum Verification: As mentioned, DNG files include internal checksums. When you back up DNGs, you can use software that verifies these checksums, providing an extra layer of confidence in the integrity of your archival copies. This is particularly crucial for long-term storage where bit rot can occur.
Cloud Storage Efficiency: Smaller DNG file sizes due to lossless compression can mean faster uploads to cloud storage services and potentially lower storage costs, especially if you have a massive library. While the percentage might seem small per file, it adds up over thousands of images.

Faster Catalog Generation and Previews

Optimized for Lightroom: DNG, being an Adobe-developed format, is highly optimized for performance within Lightroom Classic. This optimization can lead to quicker catalog rendering, faster preview generation, and smoother navigation within the Library and Develop modules.
Integrated Previews: DNG files can embed high-quality JPEG previews within the file itself. This means Lightroom doesn’t always have to generate a separate preview for every file, potentially speeding up initial loading times and thumbnail display. While Lightroom still creates its own previews, the embedded preview can accelerate the process. A large DNG file might have an embedded preview of 10MB, compared to a native raw file that might have no embedded preview or a lower quality one.

Efficient Data Transfer and Collaboration

Self-Contained Packages: When you need to transfer image files to a client, a collaborator, or another computer, DNG files are ideal. All edits, ratings, keywords, and other metadata are contained within the single file. This eliminates the need to remember to include XMP files, ensuring the recipient receives all necessary information without hassle.
Universal Compatibility: If your collaborators use different raw processors, DNG’s open standard nature increases the likelihood that they can open and work with your files directly, without requiring proprietary raw converters or specific software versions. While they might not see your Lightroom edits unless they also use Lightroom, they will have access to the full raw data. This is particularly useful in multi-software pipelines.

By leveraging DNG throughout your workflow, from “Lightroom convert to DNG on import” to archiving, you build a more robust, efficient, and future-proof system for managing your digital assets.

DNG and Its Relationship with Camera Raw Profiles

Understanding the interplay between DNG, camera raw profiles, and Lightroom’s rendering engine is crucial for optimizing your image quality and consistency.

How Lightroom Processes DNG and Other Raw Files

Adobe Camera Raw ACR Engine: At the core of Lightroom’s raw processing is the Adobe Camera Raw engine. Whether you’re working with a proprietary raw file like .CR2, .NEF or a DNG, ACR is responsible for interpreting the raw sensor data and rendering it into a viewable image.
Linear DNG vs. Original Raw: When you convert to DNG, especially a “linear DNG” a type of DNG that is less common for “on import” conversion but can be created, where the raw data is already demosaiced, the raw processing steps can be slightly altered. However, the DNGs created during “Lightroom convert to DNG on import” are typically “Bayer DNGs” which retain the original raw sensor data, meaning they are processed by ACR similarly to native raw files.
Embedded Profiles: DNG files can embed camera profiles, which are sets of instructions that tell the raw converter how to interpret the raw data to produce accurate colors and tones for a specific camera model.

The Role of Camera Profiles Adobe Standard, Camera Matching, Custom

Camera profiles are essential for consistent and accurate color rendition from your raw files.

Adobe Standard Profile: This is the default profile that Lightroom applies to most raw files including DNGs. It’s designed to provide a good starting point with neutral colors and tones, optimized for general use.
Custom Profiles DCP, ICC: Advanced users can create their own custom camera profiles using tools like X-Rite ColorChecker Passport Photo 2 or Datacolor SpyderCheckr. These profiles are highly accurate as they are generated specifically for your camera and lighting conditions.
- When you convert to DNG, these custom profiles can often be embedded within the DNG file itself, ensuring that the DNG carries its specific color interpretation data wherever it goes. This is particularly valuable for critical color work or when working in a team where consistent color is paramount.
- Many photographers find creating a custom profile for each camera and lighting condition to be a must for consistent color across different shoots. For example, a custom profile for a Canon 5D Mark IV under studio strobes will yield more accurate colors than a generic Adobe Standard profile.

Maintaining Consistent Color and Tone

Standardization: Using DNG on import helps standardize your raw format, which can contribute to more consistent color processing across your entire library. With DNG, all your raw files are processed by the same Adobe Camera Raw engine in a consistent manner, reducing variability introduced by different proprietary raw formats.
Embedded vs. External Profiles: If you use custom profiles, embedding them in the DNG ensures they travel with the file. If not embedded, the DNG will rely on the profiles available in the Lightroom catalog or system, which can be a point of inconsistency if working on different machines.

By consciously managing your DNG conversion and understanding the role of camera profiles, you can achieve superior image quality and a more efficient, consistent workflow.

Alternatives to DNG Conversion

While DNG offers compelling advantages, it’s not the only way to manage raw files.

Understanding the alternatives can help you decide if DNG is the best fit for your workflow.

Sticking with Proprietary Raw Files

Many photographers choose to keep their raw files in their native proprietary formats e.g., Canon .CR2, Nikon .NEF, Sony .ARW and manage them with XMP sidecar files.

No Conversion Time: The most immediate benefit is the absence of conversion time during import. This can significantly speed up the ingestion process, especially for large volumes of images or when working on location with limited time.
Direct Compatibility with Manufacturer Software: If you frequently use your camera manufacturer’s bundled software e.g., Canon Digital Photo Professional, Nikon Capture NX-D for specific tasks, keeping files in their native format ensures seamless compatibility. Some specialized functions or lens corrections might work best with the native raw.
Original File Integrity: Some photographers prefer to maintain the “original” capture file without any modification, even if it’s a lossless conversion. This provides a purist approach to digital asset management.
XMP Sidecar Management: The downside is that you are now managing two files per image the raw file and its XMP file. If an XMP file gets separated from its raw counterpart, you lose all your edits, ratings, and metadata. This requires disciplined file management and robust backup strategies that ensure both files are always kept together.

Using Other Raw Converters e.g., Capture One, DxO PhotoLab

Numerous powerful raw converters exist outside of the Adobe ecosystem, each with its unique strengths and approaches to raw file management.

Capture One Pro:
- Focus: Renowned for its superior tethering, advanced color tools, and exceptional raw conversion quality, particularly for skin tones and specific cameras e.g., Fujifilm, Sony.
- Raw Handling: Capture One primarily works with proprietary raw files. While it can open DNGs, it often works best with native raw formats and does not encourage DNG conversion on import as a primary workflow. Its session-based workflow is highly efficient for project-specific work.
- Cost: Subscription or perpetual license, often more expensive than Lightroom.
- Target Audience: Professionals, studio photographers, fashion photographers, and those who prioritize color control and tethering.
DxO PhotoLab:
- Focus: Highly acclaimed for its optical corrections Lens Sharpness, DxO Prime/DeepPRIME noise reduction and intelligent lighting adjustments Smart Lighting.
- Raw Handling: Works directly with proprietary raw files. It excels at correcting optical imperfections and cleaning up noise, often considered class-leading in these areas. It doesn’t use DNG as a primary format.
- Cost: Perpetual license.
- Target Audience: Photographers prioritizing image quality, especially those dealing with high ISO noise or challenging lenses.
AfterShot Pro:
- Focus: Offers fast raw processing and batch capabilities. It’s known for being a lightweight and speedy alternative, especially on older hardware.
- Raw Handling: Supports a wide range of raw formats. It’s a non-destructive editor that works with proprietary raw files and generates its own sidecar files.
- Cost: One-time purchase, often more affordable.
- Target Audience: Photographers looking for a budget-friendly, fast raw workflow, especially for volume processing. For those considering alternatives to Adobe, AfterShot Pro offers a robust raw editor with powerful features for managing and editing your photos. You can explore its capabilities and potentially save on your purchase: 👉 AfterShot Pro 15% OFF Coupon Limited Time FREE TRIAL Included.

Choosing an alternative raw converter often means committing to their specific ecosystem and workflow.

While they might not emphasize “Lightroom convert to DNG on import,” they offer powerful tools for managing your image assets in their own ways.

The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DNG and why should I convert to it in Lightroom?

DNG Digital Negative is an open-source, universally compatible, and archival raw image format developed by Adobe.

You should convert to it because it offers enhanced archival stability, potential for slightly smaller file sizes without quality loss, self-contained files no XMP sidecars, and improved data integrity verification, streamlining your workflow and future-proofing your images.

How do I convert photos to DNG on import in Lightroom Classic?

To convert photos to DNG on import in Lightroom Classic, open the Import dialog File > Import Photos and Video..., select your source images, and then choose “Copy as DNG” from the options at the very top of the dialog next to “Copy,” “Move,” “Add”. Configure your destination and other import settings, then click “Import.”

Will converting to DNG lose any original raw data?

No, converting to DNG is a lossless process. All original raw sensor data is preserved.

Furthermore, Lightroom offers an option to embed the original raw file within the DNG, providing an absolute guarantee that no data is lost and allowing for extraction of the original raw if needed. Painting site

Does DNG conversion slow down Lightroom performance?

The primary slowdown occurs during the initial import process as DNG conversion requires CPU processing.

Once converted and imported, DNG files generally perform comparably to native raw files within Lightroom, and in some cases, can even be slightly faster due to optimized file structure.

Overall performance depends more on your system’s hardware RAM, SSD and catalog optimization.

Can I convert my existing raw library to DNG after import?

Yes, you can easily convert your existing proprietary raw files in your Lightroom catalog to DNG.

Simply select the images or folders in the Library module, then go to Library > Convert Photos to DNG.... It’s highly recommended to back up your entire library before performing a large-scale conversion. Adobe illustrator 2023

What if I can’t import DNG files into Lightroom?

If you “can’t import DNG to Lightroom,” common issues include corrupted DNG files, an outdated Lightroom version which might not support newer DNG specs or camera profiles, or incorrect file permissions on your storage drives.

Troubleshooting involves checking file integrity, updating Lightroom Classic, and verifying drive/folder permissions.

Is DNG compatible with other photo editing software?

Yes, DNG is an open standard and is widely compatible with many major photo editing software applications, including Capture One though they may not process it identically to native raws, DxO PhotoLab, Affinity Photo, and various open-source raw converters.

This ensures broader accessibility of your files beyond Adobe’s ecosystem.

Does DNG really save hard drive space?

Yes, DNG can offer slight file size reductions typically 10-25% compared to proprietary raw files, due to more efficient lossless compression and optimized metadata storage. Black and white oil painting

While individual savings might seem small, they can add up significantly for large image libraries, potentially freeing up hundreds of gigabytes of storage over time.

How do DNGs handle XMP sidecar files?

DNG files are self-contained.

All metadata, edits, keywords, and ratings are embedded directly within the DNG file itself, eliminating the need for separate XMP sidecar files.

This simplifies file management, backups, and transfers, as you only have one file to worry about per image.

Can DNG files embed camera profiles?

Yes, DNG files can embed camera profiles including custom profiles created with tools like X-Rite ColorChecker Passport. This ensures that the DNG carries its specific color interpretation data wherever it goes, contributing to consistent color rendition across different systems and workflows. Turn photo into picture

What are the main downsides of converting to DNG?

The main downside is the additional time required during the import process for the conversion to occur.

Some photographers also prefer to keep their original proprietary raw files untouched.

However, for most users, the benefits of DNG often outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Should I convert all my raw files to DNG?

This depends on your workflow.

Many photographers find it beneficial to convert all raw files to DNG for archival stability, streamlined management, and consistency. Vimeo reel

If you prefer to stick with proprietary raws, that’s also a valid approach, but you’ll need to manage XMP sidecars diligently.

How does DNG affect my editing workflow in Lightroom?

DNG generally has no negative impact on your editing workflow in Lightroom.

Once imported, DNGs are treated similarly to proprietary raw files.

All non-destructive edits apply just as they would to any other raw format.

Are there any cameras that natively shoot DNG?

Yes, some camera manufacturers, notably Leica, Hasselblad, and some models from Pentax and Ricoh e.g., Ricoh GR III, natively shoot DNG as their raw file format, eliminating the need for conversion on import. Pdf add to pdf

What is the difference between “Copy” and “Copy as DNG” during import?

“Copy” simply copies your original proprietary raw files e.g., .CR2, .NEF to your chosen destination folder.

“Copy as DNG” copies your original raw files but simultaneously converts them to the DNG format during the copy process before saving them to the destination.

Can I revert a DNG file back to its original raw format?

If you chose the option to “embed original raw file” during the DNG conversion, then yes, you can extract the original raw file from the DNG.

However, if you didn’t embed the original raw, you cannot “revert” the DNG back to its proprietary format, as the DNG itself is the new master raw file.

How do DNG checksums help with data integrity?

DNG files contain internal checksums, which are unique digital fingerprints calculated from the file’s content. Multiple videos into one

If any data within the DNG file changes due to corruption, bit rot, etc., the checksum will no longer match, alerting you to data integrity issues before they become critical.

Does converting to DNG affect image quality?

No, DNG conversion is a lossless process that does not affect the image quality.

The raw data remains intact, and the visual information is preserved identically to the original proprietary raw file.

What if I use Capture One or another raw converter?

If you primarily use raw converters like Capture One or DxO PhotoLab, their workflows typically focus on native proprietary raw files.

While they can often open DNGs, they may not offer or recommend DNG conversion as a primary part of their import process, as their strength lies in optimizing for native raw formats. Coreldraw x20 download

Is DNG a good choice for long-term archiving?

Yes, DNG is considered an excellent choice for long-term archiving.

Its open standard nature means it’s less likely to become obsolete compared to proprietary formats, ensuring that your valuable image assets remain accessible and readable by future software generations.

Lightroom convert to dng on import