How to Batch Convert RAW to JPEG in Photoshop

The Image Processor script in Adobe Photoshop is a built-in automation utility designed to process large collections of digital photos quickly without the need to manually open and export each image. By leveraging the Adobe Camera Raw processing engine in the background, this tool allows photographers and designers to select a source folder of proprietary RAW files, apply global image sizing and color profile adjustments, and output standardized JPEG files to a specified destination. This guide explains step-by-step how the Image Processor handles this workflow, how it interprets raw metadata, and how to execute a batch conversion efficiently.

Locating the Image Processor

The Image Processor can be launched directly within Photoshop by navigating to File > Scripts > Image Processor. Alternatively, users can launch it from Adobe Bridge by selecting the target RAW files and navigating to Tools > Photoshop > Image Processor. Bridge integration allows for quick visual sorting before initiating the script.

Step 1: Select the Source Images

The first section of the Image Processor dialog determines which files Photoshop will read:

  • Select Folder: Choose the directory containing your RAW camera files (such as .CR2, .CR3, .NEF, .ARW, or .DNG).
  • Include All Subfolders: Check this box if the RAW files are divided across multiple subdirectories within the main folder.
  • Open First Image to Apply Settings: Checking this option opens the first RAW file in the Adobe Camera Raw interface. Any exposure, white balance, or tonal adjustments made here can then be applied universally to all subsequent files in the batch. If left unchecked, Photoshop will apply the default Camera Raw settings or any pre-existing sidecar (.xmp) metadata saved with the files.

Step 2: Choose the Output Location

The second section defines where the converted JPEGs will be saved:

  • Save in Same Location: Photoshop creates a subfolder titled "JPEG" inside the source directory and saves the converted files there.
  • Select Folder: Directs Photoshop to export the newly generated files to an entirely separate drive or destination directory.

Step 3: Configure File Type and Output Settings

The third section controls the export format and visual parameters. To convert to JPEG:

  1. Check the Save as JPEG box.
  2. Quality: Enter a value between 0 and 12 (10–12 is recommended for high-resolution output; 8–9 is ideal for web previews).
  3. Resize to Fit: If specific dimensions are required, check this box and enter maximum Width (W) and Height (H) constraints in pixels. Photoshop maintains the original aspect ratio without distorting or stretching the image.
  4. Convert Profile to sRGB: Keep this checked. Converting RAW images to the sRGB color space ensures consistent and accurate color reproduction across web browsers, mobile devices, and standard photo viewers.

Step 4: Preferences and Actions (Optional)

The fourth section allows for additional automation:

  • Run Action: If you have recorded a custom Photoshop Action (such as applying a watermark, sharpening, or adding a copyright tag), you can apply it to every image during the conversion process.
  • Copyright Info: Enter your name or studio details to embed copyright metadata directly into the EXIF data of the exported JPEGs.

Executing the Conversion

Once the parameters are set, click Run in the upper-right corner. Photoshop opens each RAW file sequentially, applies the defined Camera Raw and color settings, scales the pixels if specified, and saves the file in the designated JPEG folder. The original RAW files remain untouched, ensuring a non-destructive workflow.