If you can’t import your files into Capture One, your files don’t appear after import, or your editing tools are greyed out, there are a few common causes and solutions. This guide will help you fix file import and editing issues step by step.
Contents
- Files are greyed out or cannot be selected when importing
- Files don’t appear in the import dialog
- Your version of Capture One may not support your camera
- Files don’t appear after clicking Open
- Tools are greyed out after import
- Capture One can’t read files due to permissions
- Tools unavailable after upgrading a catalog or session
- Files are read-only in Capture One
- Check editing settings in Preferences
- Thumbnails show an eye icon
- File is too small or too large
- Editing images in the Trash
- Files are locked
Solutions
Files are greyed out or cannot be selected when importing
When importing, make sure you select the folder containing your images and then click Open. Your images should then appear in the import dialogue, where you can name and save them to your chosen folder or album.
Files don’t appear in the import dialog
Capture One only reads RAW files from these supported cameras. If a file has been altered by another application, it may no longer be recognized as a supported RAW.
In addition, not all formats are supported for a specific camera (e.g. RAW-S files taken with some Nikon won't be picked by Capture One).
Importing directly from a camera card
If you try to import images directly from a camera’s memory card while it’s still inside the camera, Capture One won’t recognize them. Capture One communicates with cameras over PTP for tethering, not as a storage device.
To import your files, copy them first using a card reader or your computer’s built-in reader. Then import them into Capture One as usual.
Some cameras (for example, Fujifilm) offer two connection modes: card reader and remote control. To import files normally, set your camera to card reader mode.
Your version of Capture One may not support your camera
Each version of Capture One supports a specific set of camera models. If your camera is newer than the version you are running, it may not be supported.
If the version of Capture One that includes support for your camera is newer than the one you have, you may need to upgrade.
Subscribers always have access to the latest version they are eligible for, which ensures ongoing support for new cameras.
You can see the list of supported cameras with their respective Capture One versions here: Camera models and RAW file support in Capture One
To upgrade to a new version of Capture One, please see here: Where can I purchase Capture One?
Files don’t appear after clicking Open
If your images are inside subfolders, make sure to tick Include Subfolders in the Import From section.
If files are still missing:
- Check if the file format is supported in your version of Capture One (see release notes).
- Check your Global Filters under View → Global Filters. For example, if Always Hide JPEG Files is enabled, JPEGs won’t appear until you untick it.
Tools are greyed out after import
If RAW files can’t be edited and tools are greyed out, Capture One might be running in the wrong activation mode (Capture One for Phase One / DB mode). Images will display with an eye icon.
To fix this, go to Capture One → License, deactivate DB mode, and activate a Pro or other license.
Learn how to switch product variants
Capture One can’t read files due to permissions
This often happens with external drives. Try working from a local drive.
On macOS, make sure Capture One has the required permissions: Allow full access on macOS →
If a file is unsupported or read-only, you’ll see a crossed pencil icon.
Note: JPEG files will also show read-only if Enable JPEG Editing is disabled in Preferences.
Tools unavailable after upgrading a catalog or session
If you’ve upgraded to a new version of Capture One but can’t access new tools, you need to upgrade the Processing Engine for your images.
Create a new variant and upgrade the engine under Base Characteristics in the Color tool tab.
Files are read-only in Capture One
- TIF/JPG/PSD/PNG files not in RGB color space are read-only. As of Capture One 16.5.6, editing grayscale images is supported.
- Layered TIFFs (with alpha channels or layers) can only be viewed. Exporting creates a flattened version.
- PSD files can be viewed if saved with “maximize compatibility” enabled. Exporting creates a flattened version.
- HDR DNGs from third-party apps are not fully supported. For consistent results, use original RAWs or export TIFFs before importing.
Check editing settings in Preferences
- Open Preferences:
- macOS: Capture One → Preferences
- Windows: Edit → Preferences
- Go to the Image tab.
- Under Editing, make sure JPEG, TIFF, and PNG editing is enabled.
Thumbnails show an eye icon
This means the file can’t be edited in your current Capture One variant.
Example: In Capture One for Fujifilm, you can edit .RAF files but not RAWs from Canon or DNGs.
File is too small or too large
- Minimum side for viewing: 16 px
- Minimum side for editing: 512 px
- Maximum size: 40,000 px × 20,000 px (width × height must not exceed this)
Editing images in the Trash
If you’re viewing images in the Trash, their thumbnails will show a crossed pencil.
To restore them, drag the images back to All Images in the Library tool.
Files are locked
Some cameras mark RAW files as locked on the memory card. Capture One can’t import locked files.
Copy them to your computer, then unlock them via the file’s Properties window. After unlocking, you can import them.