Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.RAW
File Type
Raw Image Format
Category
Image
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .raw file format
A RAW image file contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera, image scanner, or motion picture film scanner. RAW files are named so because they are not yet processed and therefore are not ready to be printed or edited with a bitmap graphics editor. Typically, the im…
File extension
.RAW
File type
Raw Image Format
Category
Image
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .raw file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .raw.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .raw file?
File extension details and usage information
A RAW image file contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera, image scanner, or motion picture film scanner. RAW files are named so because they are not yet processed and therefore are not ready to be printed or edited with a bitmap graphics editor. Typically, the image is captured in a linear color space, which is different from the sRGB color space commonly used for display. These files contain the 'raw' data as captured by the sensor, along with camera metadata such as ISO settings, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and lens information. This allows for greater control over post-processing, enabling photographers to adjust parameters like exposure, white balance, and color grading without permanently altering the original data. RAW files offer significantly more dynamic range and color depth compared to processed image formats like JPEG, resulting in higher quality images and greater flexibility in editing. Because they are unprocessed, RAW files are typically larger than JPEGs and require specialized software to open and edit.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .raw files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .raw files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .raw file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .raw file.
Why can't I open a .raw file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .raw format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .raw files
To open a .raw file, use software that supports this file format.
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom
- Capture One
- RawTherapee
- IrfanView
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .raw file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.