FAQ

If you have a question you think would be a good addition to this page, you can submit it on this page. I can't promise to answer all questions but I'll do my best.

Categories

Camera Raw

Q: Bridge doesn't seem to recognize my raw files at all. I have no thumbnail and right-clicking on the file doesn't bring up any options for opening it in the Camera Raw plug-in. What's up?

A: You probably need an upgrade. Visit the Photoshop downloads page on the Adobe website for the latest Camera Raw plug-in and DNG converter. Adobe usually bundles the plug-in with the DNG converter.

Go to Adobe.com's download pages for Macintosh Photoshop Downloads and Windows Photoshop Downloads By the way, if the latest plug-in doesn't work, you can use the DNG converter to process your camera's proprietary format into one that Adobe understands.

Q: Double-clicking raw files doesn't automatically launch the Camera Raw plug-in, but right-clicking and selecting Open In Camera Raw does. Why?

A: You can tell Bridge to always open raw files in the plug-in.

Try these steps:

  1. Choose Bridge > Preferences to bring up the preferences window.
  2. Click "Advanced" in the left-hand column to display the advanced settings for Bridge.
  3. Check the box labeled, "Double-click edits Camera Raw settings in Bridge." This will ensure that the Camera Raw plug-in will automatically launch when you double-click any raw file in Bridge.

Q: Bridge is slower than molasses. Anything I can do to speed it up?

A: Bridge stores cache information about preview thumbnails for your camera raw files. This can slow down Bridge substantially. If Bridge is crawling along at a snail's pace, try purging your cache in the Camera Raw Preferences.

To purge your cache, choose Bridge > Camera Raw Preferences. Next, click the "Purge Cache" button.

While you are in the Camera Raw Preferences dialog, you might want to try changing the "Apply Sharpening To" drop-down from "All Images" to "Preview Images Only." This should speed things up a tad.

If you don't want to spend the extra five seconds it takes to launch the Preferences window, a faster way to purge your cache exists in the standard Bridge menu. Go to Tools > Cache, then choose "Purge Cache for this folder" or "Purge central cache."

Avoid launching, quitting and relaunching Bridge; it can take forever to load all those thumbnails. You can always minimize it or hide it to get it out of your way.

Fonts and Type

Q: Font Preview isn't working in the Font drop-down list.

A: Font Preview is a new feature of CS2. If you are using an older version, you won't be able to preview fonts in the drop-down list. For Photoshop CS2 users, check your Type preferences.

From your file menu, Choose:

. Make sure the Font Preview Size check box is selected. You can choose a larger preview size if you like.