Import: Getting Images into the Editor
Before the editor, there’s a start screen with three ways to open an image. All three lead to the same editor — the only difference is where the image comes from.
The three ways
| Action | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Select from Photos | Opens your photo library for image selection |
| RAW from Files | Opens the Files app to choose an image or RAW file |
| Example | Loads the built-in sample image “View from the Zugspitze” |
The large open field carries this format note:
“JPEG · HEIF · Apple ProRAW · DNG, and other RAW formats supported by iOS”
Supported formats
Besides JPEG and HEIF, import recognizes RAW material two ways: iOS’s own format detection, and, as a fallback, the file extension. The following extensions are recognized in addition to format detection:
dng · cr2 · cr3 · nef · nrw · arw · raf · rw2 · orf · pef
Your photo library delivers Apple ProRAW as a DNG container — the app doesn’t distinguish separately between “ProRAW” and “regular DNG”; it relies on iOS’s own format detection.
RAW development and older projects
For new RAW imports on iOS 27, the app prefers the RAW 9 decoder when it is available for that file. If its resources cannot be prepared, a new import can continue with the previous decoder; a visible notice explains the fallback. Image information shows the version actually used.
Saved projects retain their decoder version so reopening them does not silently produce a different development. If that version is unavailable on the device, the app reports it instead of reinterpreting the original with a different decoder.
JPEG and HEIF use the same editor, including Light, Color, Curve, masks, Filter, and Details. Details → Blur needs no depth map; for Depth, the app can estimate a map locally for JPEG/HEIF too. Some tonal controls intentionally have narrower ranges than for RAW.
What import picks up
- Embedded depth data: If the photo contains a recorded disparity or depth map, import reads it in. It then becomes available in the Depth tool as the “Recorded” source.
- Bit depth: For RAW material, it’s determined from the RAW properties or the source.
Quality note for 8-bit non-RAW sources: JPEG and HEIF files with 8-bit depth get a fine dithering pass on import (±0.5 LSB per channel). That reduces the risk of banding when you later stretch these images heavily with Curve or Exposure — one more reason to import RAW where you can, since it leaves more headroom for the same adjustments.
Error messages
| Message | Cause |
|---|---|
| “The image couldn’t be read.” | File is damaged or unreadable |
| “This image format isn’t supported on this device.” | Format isn’t decoded by iOS |
Practical tips
- Use “RAW from Files” when a RAW image comes from another app or camera (for example via AirDrop, or synced through the Files app) — “Select from Photos” refers to your photo library.
- If your photo contains a recorded depth map, check it in the Depth tool: it often delivers a more precise edge than the AI estimate.
- If you notice banding in smooth areas (like sky) on an older JPEG after pushing Exposure or Curve hard, that’s a limit of the 8-bit source material — the dithering softens it but doesn’t remove it.
- Don’t have an image on hand? The “Example” option immediately loads a complete RAW image to practice on (see the “Sample Image” chapter).