Photoshop History Log question

Sooner than later, I'll be making the switch from Photoshop Elements to CS5. One thing I'm really interested in utilizing is the History Log feature to document my processing steps. I haven't learned through my web searches whether or not it records the settings you use while importing a RAW image using ACR.

Can anyone tell me if it does this?

THANKS!

Steve

Whenever you process and edit images in ACR and export them to PS, an XMP (or sidecar) file is automatically created that will accompany the RAW file. These XMP files are records of how you processed your file. After the files have been generated, if you re-open your original RAW file, those settings will be re-applied automatically.

Awesome, John, thanks for the info. That's even better. Are the XMP files located in the same folder as the RAW files or are they located in one of your user profile folders?

They're stored in the same folder with the RAW file Steve. If you are using DNG files, I think that maybe they can even be stored inside the DNG file.

There are lots of reasons to convert to *.dng files including David's note about the processing history being stored directly in the *.dng file - no more sidecar *.xmp files to keep track of with dng files. Check out this (ASMP-sanctioned) authoritative and comprehensive site for info on *.dng benefits and attributes. This is an awesome site for everything digital.
http://www.dpbestflow.org/

Ernie@2heartsphoto.com

Hi Steve,

Can I make a suggestion? Instead of using the History Log, try working in Adjustment Layers. It will make your file sizes larger, however nothing is embedded in the file. If you decide down the road the make further changes, you can. try it...I think you'll be better off. Just be sure and save it as a TIF to save the layers. I work at the forensic lab here in VT and we got away from the history log, and now work our latent prints strickly as adjustment layers. I think it's the way to go.

Another enthusiastic endorsement for using adjustment layers if you aren't already.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I haven't used them yet since I'm working in Photoshop Elements. My copy of CS5 is on order, though.

I shoot Pentax which uses DNG as one of it's RAW formats so I'll also be able to take advantage of the DNG benefits.