Inputting and Outputting Media > Legacy File Import > About Using Import Media >

# Importing OpenEXR Files

When importing OpenEXR files into Smoke, select the import method based on the type of data contained within: multiple channels or high dynamic range images.

OpenEXR files are designed to support multiple resolutions and additional channels, making them appealing for compositing. Since OpenEXR can store arbitrary channels (such as specular, diffuse, alpha, RGB, normals, etc) in one file, it takes away the need to store this information in separate files. However, to support all channels in Smoke, they need to be converted to separate RGB clips upon import. These RGB files can then be modified and combined to reconstitute the final clip. Use the Gateway Library import method to import multi-channel files. See Importing Media Files.

OpenEXR files can also store high dynamic range images. You can import a 16-bit floating-point format OpenEXR image file and view and process it in Smoke the same as any other type of image file. You can also import a 32-bit floating-point OpenEXR image file, but the file is automatically resized to a bit depth of 16-bit floating-point.

To import an OpenEXR high dynamic range image file:

1. From the clip library, click Video I/O > Import Media.
2. From the File Format box, select the OpenEXR image type.
3. From the Channels box, select which channels you intend to import.

   If you select MultiChannel, the Load button is grayed out and you must use the Gateway import method to import your files. See Importing Media Files.

4. Browse to the directory containing the media that you want to import.

   You can set a number of display and search options to help you find what you need. See Browsing the File System.

   NoteBy default, the file browser points to the images directory for the project.
5. Optional: Enable the Scan Subdirectories button to display all the subdirectories and their contents.
6. Select the image that you want to import.
7. In the File attributes area, ensure that the Bit Depth used in the OpenEXR image file is displayed.
8. Optional: Specify a previously-created LUT.
9. Optional: Perform any resizing operations.

   Adjusting the Bit Depth to anything other than 16-bit fp will cause a linear resizing to occur on the OpenEXR file, negating any of its dynamic qualities.

10. Enable Soft-Import Full Res if you want to import a reference to the media, but you do not want to store the media on the local storage.
11. Optional: Select a queueing option from the Add To Queue box.

    If you are soft-importing the clips, you can generate proxies in the background. This gives you the ability to assemble the timeline while proxy generation is taking place. See Importing and Soft-Importing in the Background.

12. Click Load.

    After you have imported the OpenEXR image, you can view it in its native resolution and bit depth.

13. To perform any image processing or compositing, you will need to convert it using the LUT Editor.