Files with nef extension can be mostly found as raw images saved in Nikon Electronic Format that is featured in all digital cameras and other devices produced by Nikon.

There is one other file type using
the NEF file extension!

empty icon.nef - Nero BackItUp encrypted data

Detailed description

Software that open nef file

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NEF file extension - Nikon Digital SLR camera RAW image

What is nef file? How to open nef files?

File type specification:

Digital camera RAW file type icon Digital camera RAW file type

nef file icon: nef filetype icon

File extension nef is mainly used for Nikon Electronic Format which is primarily associated with the Nikon Digital SLR Camera raw images.

NEF file represens raw image format created by Nikon digital cameras and DSLRs. Raw images are basically the data as it comes directly from the CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor in the camera without any correction and image processing. Data is stored in 12-bit or 14-bit format.

Updated: November 21, 2023

The default software associated to open nef file:

ViewNX icon

Nikon Corporation logoViewNX  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation

ViewNX is an easy tool to view JPEG, TIFF and NEF files, and edit or convert NEF/RAW files. Integrates with Capture NX to adjust white balance and exposure in the browser.

This product is not available as individual sale, it is available on CD bundled together with Nikon digital cameras.

Nikon Capture NX-D icon

Nikon Corporation logoNikon Capture NX-D  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation

Nikon Capture is image processing and editing software distributed with Nikon digital cameras and used to edit digital photos from Nikon digital cameras and SLR cameras. It is able to open many picture file formats as well as Nikon RAW picture file formats.

In July 2014 Nikon has released a new software Capture NX-D and desupported Capture NX 2.

Nikon Capture NX-D for Mac icon

Nikon Corporation logoNikon Capture NX-D for Mac  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation

Nikon Capture is image processing and editing software distributed with Nikon digital cameras and used to edit digital photos from Nikon digital cameras and SLR cameras. It is able to open many picture file formats as well as Nikon RAW picture file formats.

In July 2014 Nikon has released a new software Capture NX-D and discontinued Capture NX 2.

ViewNX for Mac icon

Nikon Corporation logoViewNX for Mac  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation

ViewNX is an easy tool to view JPEG, TIFF and NEF files, and edit or convert NEF/RAW files. Integrates with Capture NX to adjust white balance and exposure in the browser.

This product is not available as individual sale, it is available on CD bundled together with Nikon digital cameras.

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Help how to open:

NEF file format is supported by many bitmap editors and picture viewers, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, ACDSee or XnView. Also Nikon bundles ViewNX and Capnture NX-D photo management software together with their products.

How to convert:

Bitmap editors like Adobe Photoshop or its clones, bitmap viewers (ACDSee or XnView) or photo management software like Adobe Ligtroom very often offer conversion support between bitmap file formats. You can use them to convert and resize the .nef files to another image format - most often to jpg.

Find conversions from nef file:

nef to arw

nef to dng

nef to jpeg

nef to jpg

nef to png

nef to psd

nef to tiff

Find converter to nef file type:

arw to nef

pef to nef

raf to nef

raw to nef

File identification strings:

HEX code: 4D 4D 00 2A 00 00 00 08 00
ASCII code: MM *

List of software applications associated to the .nef file extension

Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open nef file, edit nef file, convert nef file, view nef file, play nef file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).

Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting nef files.

Software that open nef file - Nikon Digital SLR camera RAW image

Programs supporting the exension nef on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open nef file action.

Linux/Unix:

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