How to Open NEF Files in Photoshop

Open Photoshop., Check your Photoshop version., Update the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin., Restart Photoshop., Check that your camera is supported.

5 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Open Photoshop.

    The primary reason that your NEF file will not open in Photoshop is because the version of the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin does not include information for your specific camera model.

    Adobe regularly updates the plugin to support newer models, but you may need to manually update the plugin.
  2. Step 2: Check your Photoshop version.

    Click the "Help" menu and select "About Photoshop...".

    For newer camera models, you must be using Adobe Photoshop CS6 or later.

    If you are using Photoshop CS5 or earlier, you'll need to convert the file.

    Click here for instructions. , Click the "Help" menu and select "Updates...".

    Select the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin from the list and click "Update" to download the latest version. , After updating the plugin, restart Photoshop for the changes to take effect.

    Try opening the NEF file again., If your camera is a brand-new model, it may not yet be supported by the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin.

    You can check which Nikon models are currently supported here.

    If your camera is not currently supported, you'll need to convert the file in order to open it in Photoshop.

    See the next section for instructions.
  3. Step 3: Update the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin.

  4. Step 4: Restart Photoshop.

  5. Step 5: Check that your camera is supported.

Detailed Guide

The primary reason that your NEF file will not open in Photoshop is because the version of the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin does not include information for your specific camera model.

Adobe regularly updates the plugin to support newer models, but you may need to manually update the plugin.

Click the "Help" menu and select "About Photoshop...".

For newer camera models, you must be using Adobe Photoshop CS6 or later.

If you are using Photoshop CS5 or earlier, you'll need to convert the file.

Click here for instructions. , Click the "Help" menu and select "Updates...".

Select the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin from the list and click "Update" to download the latest version. , After updating the plugin, restart Photoshop for the changes to take effect.

Try opening the NEF file again., If your camera is a brand-new model, it may not yet be supported by the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin.

You can check which Nikon models are currently supported here.

If your camera is not currently supported, you'll need to convert the file in order to open it in Photoshop.

See the next section for instructions.

About the Author

S

Scott Wright

Scott Wright has dedicated 9 years to mastering lifestyle and practical guides. As a content creator, Scott focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.

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