COLLECTION File – What is .collection file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose of COLLECTION Files

A COLLECTION file stores a collection of references to images and other media files, organized and managed within Adobe Bridge, a photo and resource management application developed by Adobe Systems. This file does not contain the actual media files themselves but rather provides a way to group, organize, and quickly access them. As a central hub for managing digital assets, COLLECTION files play a crucial role in streamlining workflow and enhancing productivity for photographers, designers, and other creative professionals.

Structure and Contents of COLLECTION Files

COLLECTION files are XML-based text files that adhere to a specific schema defined by Adobe Bridge. They consist of a hierarchical structure, with a root element called “Collection” and several child elements that represent different aspects of the collection. The “Collection” element contains metadata about the collection, such as its name, creation date, and author. It also includes an array of “Item” elements, each of which represents a media file. The “Item” elements contain information about the file, including its path, file type, and other relevant metadata. By organizing files in this structured XML format, COLLECTION files facilitate efficient and consistent management of large media libraries, enabling users to quickly search, sort, and access their digital assets.

Opening COLLECTION Files with Adobe Bridge

Adobe Bridge, a digital asset management and image editing application, primarily handles COLLECTION files. To open a COLLECTION file in Adobe Bridge, follow these steps:

1. Launch Adobe Bridge on your computer.
2. Navigate to the location where the COLLECTION file is saved.
3. Select the COLLECTION file and click “Open” or double-click the file.
4. Adobe Bridge will import the collection into its interface, where you can organize, edit, and manage the included images efficiently.

Opening COLLECTION Files in Other Applications

Apart from Adobe Bridge, a few third-party applications can open COLLECTION files:

• XnViewMP: A cross-platform image viewer and organizer that supports various file formats, including COLLECTION files. It provides basic image editing capabilities and a user-friendly interface.
• ACDSee Pro: A professional image editing and management software that allows you to open, view, and edit COLLECTION files. It offers advanced photo editing tools, organizational features, and batch processing capabilities.
• IrfanView: A freeware image viewer and editor that supports a wide range of image formats. It provides limited editing capabilities but enables basic viewing and organization of COLLECTION files.

Adobe Bridge Collection File

An Adobe Bridge Collection File (file extension .COLLECTION) is a type of file used by Adobe Bridge, a digital asset management software for organizing, editing, and sharing images, videos, and other multimedia content. A .COLLECTION file stores a collection of assets, such as images, videos, or any other supported file types, organized into a single file that can be easily managed and shared. To create a collection, users simply select the assets they want to include, and then click the “Create Collection” button in the Adobe Bridge toolbar.

.COLLECTION files provide a convenient way to group related assets together, making it easier to locate and manage them within Adobe Bridge. Collections can also be used to share assets with others, as they can be easily transferred and opened on any computer with Adobe Bridge installed. When a .COLLECTION file is opened, Adobe Bridge will display the collection’s contents in a grid view, allowing users to quickly preview and access the included assets. Collections can be further organized by adding keywords, tags, or other metadata, making it even easier to locate and manage assets within the Adobe Bridge workflow.

Other Extensions