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by Timon Käch
Verified in v1.5.4
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Tools & Batch Processing

Beyond single-photo edits and batch export, RapidRAW has several specialized multi-photo operations. They're accessed by right-clicking a photo (or a multi-selection) in the library and using the Productivity submenu.

All AI-powered productivity operations (denoise especially) run on the CPU. This is a constraint of the ONNX Runtime build that ships with RapidRAW. Speed scales with CPU performance, not GPU.

Batch denoise

Apply AI denoise to many photos at once. Useful for:

  • A whole shoot taken at high ISO.
  • Cleaning up an archive folder.

How to use:

  1. Multi-select photos in the library.
  2. Right-click → Productivity → Denoise.
  3. Pick the model (BM3D or NIND).
  4. Choose an output folder.
  5. Hit Start.

RapidRAW writes a new file per photo, plus a .rrexif companion to preserve EXIF.

Expect a few seconds to a minute per RAW depending on resolution and the model chosen. NIND is slower but generally cleaner on real-world noise; BM3D is faster and works well on conventional sensor grain.

Panorama stitcher

Combines multiple overlapping shots into a single panorama. Implemented entirely in Rust; no OpenCV dependency.

How to use:

  1. Multi-select the source frames (typically 3 to 10 horizontally-overlapping shots).
  2. Right-click → Productivity → Stitch panorama.
  3. RapidRAW detects overlap, aligns, blends, and produces a single output.

Best results:

  • Overlap each frame by 25 to 40% with its neighbors.
  • Lock exposure on the camera before shooting (so the seams blend cleanly).
  • Use a normal or wide lens; extreme telephoto can introduce parallax.

The output is a single image; metadata is preserved via .rrexif.

HDR merge

Combines bracketed exposures into a high-dynamic-range image.

How to use:

  1. Multi-select 3 or more bracketed shots (typically −2, 0, +2 EV).
  2. Right-click → Productivity → Merge HDR.
  3. RapidRAW aligns frames and combines them.

Best results:

  • Use a tripod or a fast continuous burst.
  • Cover at least 4 stops total range (e.g. −2, 0, +2).
  • Avoid moving subjects; HDR works best on landscapes and architecture.

The result is a single high-bit-depth image you can edit normally; pull highlights down, lift shadows up, with much more headroom than a single exposure.

Negative converter

Converts a scanned color negative into a positive image, applying inverse film characteristic curves.

How to use:

  1. Open a scanned negative.
  2. Right-click → Productivity → Convert negative.
  3. The image becomes a positive; further adjustments work normally.

Batch mode is also supported: select a folder of scans, right-click, choose Convert negative.

Collage maker

Lay out multiple images on a single canvas. Useful for client deliveries that combine multiple shots into one composite.

Features:

  • Drag and drop images onto the canvas.
  • Zoom and reposition each image inside its frame.
  • Choose from common collage layouts (grid, magazine, polaroid).
  • Export the collage as any standard format.

Apply preset to many photos

Not strictly a "batch processing" feature; it's a side effect of multi-select.

  1. Select multiple photos.
  2. Open Presets (P).
  3. Click a preset.

The preset applies to every selected photo. Combine with Batch Export for a full "apply look + export" pipeline.

Apply auto-adjust to many photos

Multi-select, then click Auto in the Adjustments panel header. RapidRAW analyzes each photo individually (using cached thumbnail statistics for speed) and dials suggested values per photo.

This is great for "give every photo a sensible starting point", then you cherry-pick the ones that need manual attention.

See also