Using other apps to process RAW files

You can use Musebox to import and organize your media while using your preferred apps to process RAW files. Use Musebox to open files with your RAW editor, and then import the results back into your library using Musebox’s Spotlight integration.

The most convenient workflow is when double-clicking a RAW file in the Finder opens your favorite editor. Then you can just use Musebox’s File > Open Original File menu command to start editing.

Use the Finder to set the default application for all RAW files to your preferred editor.

For example, if you usually edit Nikon NEF files with Nikon NX Studio, set up the Finder so that double-clicking any NEF file opens it with NX Studio.
In Musebox, select a RAW photo that you want to edit, and use the File > Open Original File (⇧⌘O) menu command.

This will open the file as if you’ve double-clicked it in the Finder.

If you select a RAW+JPEG item, Musebox will always open the RAW file of the pair instead of the JPEG (this can be disabled in Musebox’s Settings).
Process the image using your RAW editor, and save the processed image to a file (i.e. a JPEG or TIFF).
In Musebox, use File > Import Files (⌘I) to open the Import window, and select Recent Media from the sidebar.

Musebox will show items found by Spotlight, including the image you just saved with your RAW editor.
Import the image into Musebox. Use the File Transfer Options in the Import window’s right sidebar to move the file if desired.

Using multiple RAW editors

If you don’t want to use the Finder’s default app to edit the file, use Media > Edit with Application (⌥⌘E) instead, and select the ‘Edit original file directly’ option.