We regularly update Exposure to support RAW files from the latest cameras. However, older cameras may not be supported. In situations where Exposure can’t process a particular format, a useful workaround is to convert to DNG (Digital Negative) format.

Exposure can read and edit DNG files that have been created in-camera or converted from a proprietary RAW format. If your camera isn’t officially supported, see if saving in DNG format is an option. You can also use a DNG converter to create an DNG file from a RAW file.

Convert to DNG

1. Select a file, or group of files, you want to convert. See Selecting images for details.
2. Click Convert to DNG in the thumbnail window, or right-click an image and choose Convert to DNG from the options list.
3. Exposure will seamlessly convert the file(s) using the Adobe Digital Negative Converter. When complete the new DNG files will show in the same folder as the original file.

Unsupported files in grid view showing the thumbnail and right-click Convert to DNG options. Note that the Convert to DNG option will only show in the thumbnails of unsupported RAW files. The right-click option is available for all RAW files.

If no converter is installed or detected, you’ll see this message.

To install or configure the Adobe DNG Converter click Configure. Exposure will open the DNG section of the Preferences dialog.

DNG Preferences

Open the DNG Preferences to download and/or configure the Adobe DNG Converter integration.

Location - The default installation location is automatically populated. If no converter is found at that location this message will show.
Converter not found - find the install location above, or download and install it.

If you already have the DNG Converter installed, click the folder icon and navigate to the application location.

To install the Click “download” to navigate to Adobe Digital Negative Converter website in your web browser.

Download the DNG Converter from that webpage and install it to your computer.

Once the Adobe DNG Converter is detected, the Converter not found message is removed.

Adobe DNG Converter Options
The Options relate to Preferences used by the Adobe DNG Converter application. The converter will use these settings each time you use Convert to DNG.
Embed original RAW file - Embeds the entire non-DNG raw file inside the DNG file. This creates a larger DNG file, but it allows the original raw file to be extracted later if needed.
Compressed - Lossy compression can significantly reduce DNG file size, but may result in some quality loss.
Fast load data - Speeds loading images when adjusting settings. Increases DNG file size slightly.
JPEG preview - Speeds preview speed display of rendered images. Increase DNG file size slightly.

Exposure X5 and earlier

Install a DNG Converter

Many programs can convert to DNG format, but the most widely used is the Adobe DNG Converter. It’s available for free from Adobe.

Adobe DNG Converter

Add to External Editor Options

You can configure the Adobe DNG Converter as an external editor. This allows you to quickly send unsupported files for conversion. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download and install the DNG Converter from Adobe.
2. Open the Exposure Preferences window.
   Mac: Exposure [Version] > Preferences
   Windows: Edit > Preferences
3. Select External Applications.
4. Click the Add (+) button at the upper right.
5. Navigate to the DNG Converter.
6. Press Open to add the application to the list.
7. Set File Type and Color Space to Original.
8. Set the file naming as desired.
9. Close Preferences.

Convert Unsupported Files to DNG

1. Select the unsupported file(s) you want to convert.
2. Right-click and choose Edit in > Adobe DNG Converter.
3. The converter will open with the file path selected. Set the location and change the name as desired. Use Save in Same Location if you want it to appear in the original folder.
4. Click Convert. The DNG file(s) can now be edited in Exposure.
5. Close the DNG Converter.
   Note: The DNG Converter folder selection is “sticky.” If you don’t close it, the previous file path will show the next time you send a file.