ON1 Photo RAW 2023 is an all-in-one photography post-processing software that combines photo management, RAW file processing, layer editing, and special effects. It aims to provide photographers with a seamless, non-destructive editing workflow from import to export. Below is an in-depth look at its interface, core workflow, and usage tips.

1. Detailed Explanation of the Core Interface and Workspace

After launching ON1 Photo RAW 2023, you will see its highly integrated and customizable workspace, which is mainly divided into the following modules:

Top Menu Bar and Toolbar: Contains standard menus such as File, Edit, and View, as well as shortcut icons for commonly used tools (such as crop, spot healing, brush, etc.).
Left Panel Area:
- “Browse” Module: Used to import and manage photo libraries, displaying folder directories, albums, and metadata.
- “Filters” List: In the “Edit” module, this lists all available adjustment filters, such as Color, Tone, Details, Effects, etc.
Central Viewing Area: The main display area for photos. Here you can compare photos (before-and-after comparison or side-by-side comparison) and zoom the view (shortcut Z or Cmd+plus/minus).
Right Panel Area:
- “Adjustments” Panel: Displays the detailed parameter sliders of the currently active filter, such as Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, etc.
- “Layers” Panel: Displays all layers, masks, and blend modes of the current image, supporting non-destructive editing.
- “Presets” Panel: Provides a large number of one-click appearance presets to quickly give photos different styles.
Bottom Filmstrip: Displays thumbnails of all photos in the currently selected folder or search results, making it easy to switch quickly and select in batches.

II. Complete Workflow: From Project Creation to Export

Step 1: Create/Open a Project and Import Photos

Method:

Launch the software; it enters the “Browse” module by default.
In the folder directory on the left, navigate to your photo storage location, or click the “Import Photos” button in the top toolbar.
Select the photos you need to edit from Mac folders; they will be displayed in the central viewing area and the bottom filmstrip.

Shortcut: Open a new image file: Cmd+O.

Step 2: Enter Edit Mode and Make Basic Adjustments

Method:

In the “Browse” module, double-click any photo thumbnail, or select it and press Cmd+E, to enter the “Edit” module.
In the “Basic” filter of the “Adjust” panel on the right, adjust sliders such as exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks to correct the photo’s tonal and color balance.
Use the “Color” filter to adjust saturation and vibrance, or enter HSL color adjustment.
Use the “Detail” filter for sharpening or noise reduction.

Tip: Hold the Option key while dragging the slider for finer adjustments. Click the “Reset” icon to the right of the slider name to restore that parameter to its default value.

Step 3: Apply Local Adjustments and Layer Masks

Method:

Select the “Brush Tool” in the top toolbar (shortcut B).
In the “Adjustments” panel on the right, create a new adjustment (e.g., add exposure), then make sure the “Mask” button is active.
Paint directly on the image, and the brushed area will apply the adjustment you just made. You can use the “Eraser Brush” (shortcut E) to modify the masked area.
All adjustments with masks will appear as independent layers in the “Layers” panel, where you can adjust their order, opacity, and blend mode at any time.

Step 4: Add Creative Effects and Presets

Method:

In the “Filters” list on the left, click the “Effects” filter.
The right panel will display a large number of effect categories (such as glow, color contrast, motion blur, etc.). Click any effect to add it to the image as a new layer.
In the “Presets” panel on the right, browse presets in different categories. Click any preset to preview its effect in real time. Double-click to apply it directly.
After applying a preset or effect, you can still adjust its intensity and opacity in the “Layers” panel, or use a mask to control its scope.

Step 5: Final Photo Export

Method:

After completing all edits, click the “Export” button on the right side of the top toolbar, or use the shortcut Cmd+Shift+E.
In the export dialog that appears, set:
- Export location: Choose the folder where you want to save the photo.
- File format and quality: Such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and set the image size, resolution, and compression quality.
- File name: You can customize the naming rules.
Click the “Export” button, and the software will process and save the final image.

III. Advanced Tips for Common Features

Non-destructive cropping and straightening: When using the crop tool (C), make sure “Lock crop” in the options bar is unchecked, so you can readjust the crop composition at any time.
AI quick masking: In the “Mask” menu, select “AI Quick Mask,” and the software will automatically identify areas such as people, sky, and background, creating precise selections with one click and greatly improving the efficiency of local adjustments.
Layer Stacking and Blending Modes: Try stacking different adjusted versions of the same image as layers, and create unique color and tonal effects by changing the layer blending modes (such as “Overlay” and “Soft Light”).
Use the Browse Module for Efficient Rating and Culling: In the “Browse” module, use the number keys 1-5 to rate with stars, 6-9 to set color labels, and then quickly cull the best photos through filters.

IV. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
The software runs slowly or lags	1. Too many high-resolution images are being edited at the same time. 2. GPU acceleration is not enabled in Preferences.	1. Try closing unnecessary image tabs. 2. Go to ON1 Photo RAW 2023 > Preferences > Performance, make sure “Use GPU acceleration” is checked, and restart the software.
Unable to recognize camera RAW files	The camera model is relatively new, and the software version does not yet include its profile.	Visit the ON1 official website, check for and install the latest software update, which usually includes support for new camera RAW formats.
After editing and saving, the original file is overwritten	The “Save” command (`Cmd+S`) was mistakenly used instead of “Export”.	ON1’s “Save” command saves the project file (.onphoto) by default, not the rendered image. Be sure to use the “Export” function to generate the final image file. Before editing, you can also back up the original image via “File” > “Create Copy”.
Presets or Effects panels do not appear	The relevant panels were accidentally closed.	Go to the “Window” menu in the top menu bar, and check “Presets” or “Effects” in the drop-down list to make the corresponding panels appear again.

V. Keyboard Shortcuts Summary (Mac Version)

Function	Shortcut	Applicable Module
Open File	`Cmd + O`	Global
Enter Edit Mode	`Cmd + E`	Browse
Copy Image / Create Duplicate	`Cmd + D`	Browse/Edit
Undo	`Cmd + Z`	Edit
Redo	`Cmd + Shift + Z`	Edit
Zoom In / Zoom Out	`Cmd + Plus / Cmd + Minus`	Edit
Fit to Screen	`Cmd + 0`	Edit
Switch to Crop Tool	`C`	Edit
Switch to Brush Tool	`B`	Edit
Switch to Eraser Brush	`E`	Edit
Show/Hide Adjustments Panel	`Cmd + Option + A`	Edit
Show/Hide Layers Panel	`Cmd + Option + L`	Edit
Create New Blank Layer	`Cmd + Shift + N`	Edit
Merge Visible Layers	`Cmd + Shift + E`	Edit
Export Image	`Cmd + Shift + E`	Edit
Exit / Return to Browse Module	`Cmd + W`	Edit