The word metadata means data about data. Each digital camera file contains metadata about the file and the camera that created it. The metadata we’re referring to here is called XMP metadata. This means that no matter what you make a Raw file look like when you convert it, you can always back up to what the file looked like the day you created it. Any adjustments you make are simply written to a file that can be overwritten at any time. In fact, when I convert a Raw file and open it in Photoshop, it becomes something different than a Raw file. Here’s what I mean. My Canon shoots with the Raw file format of .CR2.
When I save an open file in Photoshop, the Save As dialog box doesn’t include a format called CR2 for example. Photoshop Raw is one of the choices, but it’s something completely different. It’s used for transferring images between different computer platforms and applications. I imagine that you’re starting to see lots of advantages to shooting Raw. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to warn you about some of the disadvantages. Especially if you work in an by an infographic company and you dealing with these infographic projects.