Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) is a powerful tool in Photoshop for processing and editing raw images. Here’s a guide on how to use Photoshop Camera Raw:

Opening Images in Camera Raw:

1. Open a Raw Image:
   • Open Photoshop and go to File > Open.
   • Select a raw image file (e.g., .CR2, .NEF).
2. Open as Smart Object:
   • To maintain flexibility, right-click on the image layer and choose “Convert to Smart Object.”
3. Filter > Camera Raw Filter:
   • Alternatively, if you have a non-raw image open, you can go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter to apply Camera Raw adjustments.

Camera Raw Interface:

1. Basic Panel:
   • Adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks.
2. Tone Curve Panel:
   • Fine-tune tonal adjustments using a curve.
3. Detail Panel:
   • Sharpening, noise reduction, and color noise reduction.
4. HSL/Grayscale Panel:
   • Adjust Hue, Saturation, and Luminance for individual colors.
5. Split Toning Panel:
   • Add color tones to highlights and shadows.
6. Lens Corrections Panel:
   • Correct lens distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting.
7. Effects Panel:
   • Apply post-crop vignetting, grain, or dehaze.
8. Camera Calibration Panel:
   • Fine-tune the color response to match different camera profiles.
9. Presets Panel:
   • Save and apply custom presets for quick adjustments.
10. Crop and Straighten:

• Use the Crop tool (C) to crop the image. The Straighten tool helps align horizons.

11. Spot Removal Tool:

• Remove blemishes and spots by clicking and dragging over the area.

12. Graduated Filter and Radial Filter:

• Apply adjustments to specific areas. Click and drag to define the area, then adjust settings.

13. Adjustment Brush:

• Paint adjustments onto specific areas manually.

14. Histogram and Preview Area:

• The histogram provides a visual representation of the image’s tonal distribution.
• The preview area shows the real-time effects of your adjustments.

Applying Changes:

1. Synchronize Edits:
   • If you’re working with multiple images, use the “Sync Settings” button to apply the same adjustments to all selected images.
2. Open Image:
   • Once satisfied with the adjustments, click “Open Image” to open the image in Photoshop.
3. Cancel or Save Image:
   • If you want to go back to Photoshop without applying changes, click “Cancel.” If you want to save the changes, click “Done” in the Camera Raw interface.

Bonus Tip: Working Non-Destructively with Smart Objects:

• Convert your layer to a Smart Object before applying Camera Raw adjustments. This allows you to go back and modify the Camera Raw settings at any time.

Adobe Camera Raw is a versatile tool for enhancing and refining your images, especially when working with raw files. Experiment with different adjustments to achieve the desired look for your photos.