Tip: when Camera Raw opens it will immediately begin the process of building the high resolution preview images. Fortunately, it does so on-the-fly, but be aware that takes it time to generate these previews. The yellow alert icon that appears on the top right of an image signifies that the high resolution preview is being generated. When you select an image Camera Raw gives it priority and the preview will usually be fully generated within a second or two. Usually this means that the image initially appears soft, almost like it's out of focus, but then it quickly snaps into focus.

 

Figure 4 - Camera Raw Filmstrip Mode

 

Step 3 - Configuring Camera Raw for 100% Previews

Whilst the objective of this tutorial is to demonstrate how Camera Raw can be used for 100% previews it's also important that it does so in an efficient manner. For example, simply selecting each image from the filmstrip and hitting the Ctrl/Cmd+Option+0 keys to zoom it to100% will drive you nuts, especially when you're trying to preview lots of images. The most efficient method is to choose Select All using either the button or Ctrl/Cmd+A.

 

Figure 5 - Camera Raw 100% View

 

With all of the images now selected you can choose 100% from the magnification pop-up (Figure 5, red circle) or better still use the Ctrl/Cmd+Option+0 keys. Either way will have the same effect, in so far as Camera Raw is now configured to show each image at 100%. Next hit the Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+A keys to deselect the images.

Ste 4 - Previewing the Images

Previewing the images at 100% is now as simple as "clicking" on them or using the "down-arrow" key. If you hold the Spacebar key down the Hand Tool appears, which allows you scroll the image in any direction using the "mouse".

• To rate an image hit the Ctrl/Cmd+1 through 5 keys.

• To label an image hit the Ctrl/Cmd+6 through 0 keys.

• To mark an image for deletion hit the Delete key, a large red X will appear in the top left corner of the thumbnail.

Note: The numeric keypad (right side of keyboard) cannot be used to apply labels or ratings with Camera Raw.

Tip: When working in Camera Raw film-strip mode you might find that after adjusting an image the keystrokes for Next (Down-arrow key) and Previous (Up-arrow key) image no longer function... frustrating isn't it? The normal solution is to use the mouse to click the little triangle buttons found at the bottom right corner of the image preview window. However, there is a much faster method that doesn't involve the mouse, i.e. Next image ~ Cmd/Ctrl+Right-arrow key and Previous image ~ Cmd/Ctrl+Left-arrow key.

 

Figure 6 - Ratings, Labels and Marked for Deletion

 

Once you've completed your review of the images simply click the Done button and return to the Bridge. In Bridge you should find that all of the previews reflect any rating and/or labelling applied in Camera Raw. Images that were marked for deletion in Camera Raw should already have been deleted. Now wasn't that simple!

As Bruce Fraser says: "I agree that a loupe tool in Bridge would be a better long-term solution, but it WILL be a long-term solution. This way isn't all bad once you get used to it. (Command-A, Command-R, Command-A, Command-Option-zero, then down arrow to go through the images.)". Bruce is the author of a very useful book called Real World Camera Raw with Photoshop CS2. If you're interested in getting to know the true power of Bridge and Camera Raw, then I recommend that you obtain a copy.

All of the keyboard shortcuts mentioned in this tutorial are listed on the downloadable PDF's , which can be accessed from links at the bottom of my Bridge & Camera Raw - Keyboard Shortcuts article.

Note: this tutorial is based upon information I provided in response to a query raised on the Adobe User to User Forums on 26 April 2005. If you wish to read the full thread then it can be found at this Link.