raw

.raw — Raw Image Data

Various Camera Manufacturers · 1980

Developer

Various Camera Manufacturers

What is a .raw file?

A RAW file contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera or scanner. These files are often uncompressed, offering the highest image quality and maximum editing flexibility. RAW files serve as digital negatives, requiring specialized software to view and edit.

Programs That Open .raw Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Adobe Photoshop	Paid	Official
	Adobe Lightroom	Paid	Official
	Capture One	Paid	Official
	Darktable	Free
	RawTherapee	Free
macOS	Adobe Photoshop	Paid	Official
	Adobe Lightroom	Paid	Official
	Capture One	Paid	Official
	Affinity Photo	Paid	Official
	Darktable	Free
	RawTherapee	Free

Common Problems with .raw Files

⚠️ Cannot open RAW file directly.

RAW files require specialized image editing software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One, or free alternatives like Darktable or RawTherapee.

⚠️ RAW file is too large.

Consider converting to a compressed format like JPEG for everyday sharing, but always keep the original RAW file for archival purposes.

⚠️ Editing RAW files alters the original data.

Most RAW editors use non-destructive editing. Ensure your software saves edits separately or as a new file, preserving the original RAW data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a RAW file?▼

A RAW file is a minimally processed image file containing the direct data from a digital camera's image sensor. It's often called a 'digital negative' because it captures the most data possible, allowing for extensive editing later.

Why are RAW files so large?▼

RAW files contain a lot more image data than compressed formats like JPEG. This includes uncompressed or losslessly compressed sensor data and metadata, leading to larger file sizes but also higher quality and editing flexibility.

Can I edit RAW files on any computer?▼

You can store RAW files on any computer, but you need specific software to open and edit them. Most modern image editing suites support RAW files, but they often require plugins or specific versions for certain camera models.

Technical Details

RAW files contain unprocessed sensor data, often including metadata about camera settings. The exact format varies significantly between camera manufacturers and even models, with common implementations including maker-specific tags.

Did You Know?

RAW files capture sensor data before it's processed by the camera's internal software, giving you more control over white balance, color, and detail.

Different camera manufacturers use proprietary RAW formats, which is why a universal RAW viewer is uncommon. Adobe's DNG (Digital Negative) format aims to standardize this.

While editing RAW files offers the most flexibility, it also requires more storage space and processing power compared to JPEGs.

Security Information

RAW files themselves are generally safe as they contain image data. However, downloading RAW files from untrusted sources could potentially contain malware, similar to any file type. Always ensure your editing software is up-to-date.