ON1 Photo RAW 2020.5 for Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

ON1 Photo RAW 2020.5 is a comprehensive post-processing software that integrates photo management, RAW file processing, layer editing, and special effects into one. With its non-destructive editing workflow, rich preset library, and efficient workspace design, it provides Mac users with a powerful “all-in-one” post-processing solution. This article will take an in-depth look at its interface, workflow, and core techniques.

I. Detailed Explanation of the Core Interface and Workspace

After launching the software, the main interface is mainly divided into the following core areas:

• Top Menu Bar and Toolbar: Includes standard menus such as File, Edit, and View, as well as commonly used tool icons such as Crop, Transform, and Brush.
• Left Panel Area: By default, it displays the “Catalog” or “Folders” browser, used for importing and managing photo libraries. In edit mode, this area switches to the “Presets,” “Filters,” or “Layers” panel.
• Central Viewing Area: The photo display and main editing area. Here you can perform detailed retouching on a single photo or browse the library.
• Right Panel Area: The core adjustment panel area. From top to bottom, it usually includes:
  • “Quick Photo” Tab: Basic sliders for exposure, contrast, and color adjustment.
  • “Effects” Tab: Provides a large number of built-in filters and effects (such as dynamic contrast, HDR, glow, texture, etc.).
  • “Local Adjustments” Tab: Includes tools such as brush, gradient filter, and radial filter for local editing.
  • “Details” Tab: Sharpening and noise reduction control.
  • “Lens Corrections” Tab: Chromatic aberration, distortion, and vignetting correction.
  • “Layers” Tab: Manage adjustment layers, text layers, and image layers, with support for blend modes and opacity adjustments.
• Bottom Panel Area: In “Browse” mode, displays a thumbnail grid; in “Edit” mode, displays information such as history and metadata.

The workspace can be switched between different modes (such as “Browse,” “Edit,” “Retouch,” and “Output”) via the “Window” > “Workspace” menu, and each mode optimizes the panel layout to suit specific tasks.

II. Complete Workflow: From Import to Export

1. Create/Open a Project and Import Photos

Step 1: Launch the software and enter the Browse module. After the software starts, it enters the “Browse” workspace by default. To return from another module, click “Browse” in the top module selector or press the shortcut Cmd+1.

Step 2: Import photos. Click the “Folder” icon at the top of the left panel and navigate to the folder where your photos are located on your Mac. After selecting photos, you can drag them directly to the central viewer area, or right-click and select “Add to Catalog.”

2. Photo Culling and Management

In the Browse module, you can quickly cull photos using star ratings (press number keys 1-5), color labels (press 6-9), or flags (press P to flag, U to unflag). Use the “Filter” bar (below the top toolbar) to cull based on these tags.

3. Enter the Edit Module for Global Adjustments

Step 1: Open a photo. Double-click the selected photo thumbnail, or press Cmd+E, to enter the “Edit” workspace.

Step 2: Basic exposure and color correction. Under the “Quick Photo” tab in the right panel, use the “Exposure,” “Highlights,” “Shadows,” “Whites,” and “Blacks” sliders to recover detail. Use the “White Balance” selector or the Temperature/Tint sliders to correct color.

Step 3: Apply effects and creative adjustments. Switch to the “Effects” tab and choose from numerous presets (such as “Black & White,” “Portrait Enhance,” “Landscape”), or manually adjust modules like “Dynamic Contrast,” “Color Enhance,” and “Tone Curve.”

Step 4: Detail optimization. Go to the “Detail” tab and use the “Sharpening” and “Noise Reduction” sliders to enhance image quality. It is recommended to zoom in to 100% view for inspection.

4. Local Adjustments and Layer Compositing

Step 1: Add a local adjustment. Under the “Local Adjustments” tab, select the “Brush Tool” (B). On the right side, set the brush size, feathering, and flow. Then paint on the photo, and an adjustment panel for that brush will automatically appear on the right, allowing you to independently adjust its exposure, color, and other parameters.

Step 2: Use layers for complex editing. Under the “Layers” tab, click the “Add New Layer” button, and you can choose “Blank Layer,” “Duplicate Layer,” or “Adjustment Layer.” For example, add a “Gradient Map” adjustment layer and change its blend mode to “Soft Light” to create a color grading atmosphere.

5. Final Photo Export

Step 1: Enter the output module. Click “Output” in the top module selector, or press Cmd+5.

Step 2: Configure export settings. In the “Export Settings” panel on the right:

• File settings: Choose the format (JPEG, TIFF, PNG), set quality and color space (sRGB for web).
• Resize image: Check “Resize,” and set the long edge in pixels or resolution.
• Output sharpening: Choose the sharpening amount based on the output medium (screen, matte paper, glossy paper).

Step 3: Perform the export. Select or create an export destination folder on the left. In the central viewer, select the photos to export (multiple selection is supported), and click the “Export” button in the lower right corner.

III. Advanced Tips for Common Features

• Ultimate use of non-destructive editing: Almost all adjustments (including effects and local adjustments) exist as layers or independent instructions. You can return to the “Edit” module at any time and turn off, delete, or modify any step in the “Layers” panel or “History.”

IV. Common Problems and Solutions

• Problem: The software runs slowly or lags.
  • Solution: Make sure the Mac system is up to date. In ON1 Photo RAW’s “Preferences” (Cmd+,) > “Performance,” check and increase the “Memory Usage” and “Image Cache Size.” When editing large files, try temporarily closing other applications.
• Problem: RAW files on a newly connected camera or memory card are not recognized.
  • Solution: ON1 Photo RAW 2020.5 supports mainstream camera models. If they are not recognized, please visit the ON1 official website to check the list of supported cameras. Also, in “Preferences” > “Files,” make sure “Automatically import from connected cameras and card readers” is enabled.

V. Mac Keyboard Shortcuts Summary Table