How can I batch-convert RAW files to TIFF on macOS using Apple’s processing engine?

Asked 5/10/2013

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2 answers

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I’d like to convert a batch of RAW files to TIFF from the command line on macOS, ideally using the same Apple RAW processing used by Preview or Aperture so the results match those apps. Is there a built-in command-line tool for this, or another way to automate it?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

5

Command line solution

In your terminal try to run this command:

sips -s format tiff /Path/To/Image/bla.CR2 --out bla.tiff

Now you can easily create a Shell Script and do your batch conversion. Credits to this solution goes to this comment.

Automator solution

I came up with another solution that utilize the very nice feature of Mac OS X: Automator!

Automator allows you to do batch type of tasks easily. Open automator from your applications and in the opening dialog select workflow. Then from side-bar drag the items (in order) to the left panel. You can find them by searching the titles in the search-box (e.g. "Ask for Finder Items"). Just be sure you set the parameters as I've set in the screenshot. Once you run it, a open dialog pups-up and and you need to select your raw files. Then It copies them in-place and then converts the newly copied files to tiff. Conversion may take long.

enter image description here

Then simply hit play from top-left. It would be wise to copy original files prior to run just in case. Please comment me if you had any question.

Originally by user11408. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11408

13y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. On macOS you can use Apple’s built-in sips tool from Terminal to convert RAW files to TIFF:

sips -s format tiff /path/to/image.CR2 --out /path/to/image.tiff

Because sips is scriptable, it’s suitable for batch conversion in a shell script.

If you prefer a GUI-based batch workflow, Automator can also be used to build a workflow that selects RAW files and processes them in batches.

So, if your goal is to automate RAW-to-TIFF conversion with Apple’s own macOS tools, sips is the direct command-line option, while Automator is a convenient no-code alternative.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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