Integrating Zoner Photo Studio X with the Adobe DNG Converter

After uploading a RAW photo, you open it in your photo editing software only to discover that the colors are displayed incorrectly. Or, you receive an error message saying the image format is not supported. These are a few problems you can run into when using RAW files. Zoner Photo Studio X offers custom camera and lens profiles. However, in some cases, you may still need the Adobe DNG Converter. Integrating the DNG Converter with Zoner Photo Studio X is quick and easy.

Since the spring 2023 update, you don’t have to install the Adobe DNG Converter in Zoner Photo Studio X. A large number of custom lenses and camera profiles have been added directly to the program. If your camera and lenses are on the list of supported camera equipment, you don’t have to worry about a thing and can get right to editing! 

Camera and lens profiles offer color correction for RAW files and can correct defects such as barrel distortion, chromatic aberration, or vignetting. The list of supported camera equipment continues to grow with new models frequently being added.  

If you happen to own a camera or lens model that is not yet supported by ZPS X, send an email to ZPS X support and we will do our best to handle your request.  

Even though our list is constantly growing, a certain model may be missing. The Adobe DNG converter is here just for that reason. Integrating the converter with Zoner Photo Studio X can be done using these three simple steps.

The photo editing software
that knows no limits
TRY IT FOR FREE
  1. Download the Adobe DNG Converter.
  2. Install the converter.
  3. Enter the correct path in Zoner Photo Studio X.

How to download the converter

First, download the DNG Converter from Adobe‘s website. Click Download latest DNG Converter for Windows. This downloads the Adobe DNG Converter to your computer.

Click the Download latest DNG Converter for Windows button

How to install the converter

Open the folder you saved the installation file. Double-click the downloaded file to start installation. Allow the program to make changes to your computer. 

After the installation window opens, click Next. In the next step, click Install. Once the program is installed, complete the process by clicking Finish.

How to connect a DNG converter with Zoner Photo Studio
Install the DNG Converter by starting and confirming its installation

The installation is now complete. All that’s left to do is integrate the converter with Zoner Photo Studio X.

Integrate the converter with ZPS X

Open Zoner Photo Studio X and in the top left menu, click View > Preferences (Ctrl + M).

A new settings window appears. Choose RAW Format in the left column. Next, click the Browse icon. A dialogue box opens where you choose the path for the Adobe DNG Converter.exe file. Click Open. The path should look something like this: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe DNG Converter\Adobe DNG Converter.exe.

The checkbox next to Convert to linear image (interpolate) when converting to DNG should be checked by default. Make sure you have Adobe DNG Converter selected in both drop-down menus below.  

Choose the path for the RAW to DNG converter

If you previously installed an earlier version of the converter, check to be sure the right path has been entered. Previous versions of the converter were installed by Adobe in the Program Files (x86) folder. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that you are using the correct path. 

After you choose the correct path, click the Apply button and the program will remember the changes. 

From now on, when you work with photos in RAW, Zoner Photo Studio X will use the Adobe DNG Converter. You should immediately notice changes to things such as brightness and color in the processed photos. 

Adding LCP and DCP 

Use the DNG Converter to also add lens profiles to Zoner Photo Studio X. This enables the automatic correction of lens defects

In the Develop module of Zoner Photo Studio X, click the camera icon—Camera and Lens (M). Then, use the + icon to manually add a camera profile (DCP) by finding the profile in File Explorer (in the folder with the DNG Converter). 

Lens profiles (LCP) can be manually added by opening the drop-down menu for Lens profile and choosing From file.

How to Integrate Adobe DNG Converter into Zoner Photo Studio
Add a camera profile by clicking the + icon next to Camera profile. Select your Lens profile by choosing From file next to Lens profile.

Be sure to update

Every camera’s RAW format is slightly different. If you purchase a new camera, make sure that you don’t have an older version of the DNG Converter. It may not have the profile of your new camera.  

Adobe is constantly adding new RAW formats to its converter. Just be sure you have the latest version downloaded. 

Receive our weekly newsletter to stay on top of the latest photography trends

Subscribe to receive the best learn.zoner.com has to offer

Invalid email

By confirming the subscription, you consent to the processing of your personal data for receiving newsletter. Learn more in our privacy policy.

AuthorZoner

Learn Photography: Brought to you by the team behind Zoner Photo Studio.

Comments (1)

  1. Thank you! I had no idea that I haven’t been using Adobe DNG. To tell you the truth, ZPS X does so well without it. I’ll be amazed if DNG delivers much improvement. But I use some legacy primes, and it will be cool to see whether I get better results by applying a profile from a similar lens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *