There are 9 other file types using
the RAW file extension!
.raw - RAW audio format
.raw - Nimbus 7 data
.raw - RAW disk image
.raw - Sentry 2020 encryption data
.raw - ZX Spectrum memory dump
.raw - HP V41 program
.raw - ISIS RAW file format
.raw - Adobe Photoshop RAW picture image
.raw - XL-Paint MAX picture image
RAW file extension - Digital camera photo RAW image format
What is raw file? How to open raw files?
File extension raw is traditionally used for RAW image format, a picture format used by digital cameras for "raw" images take by the device that are not yet processed to for use. These files are sometimes also called digital negatives, because they serve same purpose as negatives in film photography.
The RAW image stores a wider dynamic range or color gamut than the eventual final image format, and it preserves most of the information of the captured image.
RAW image content:
- Short file header
- Camera sensor metadata
- Image metadata
- An image thumbnail
- Timecode, keycode or framebuffer
- Sensor image data
There are many different RAW formats, most of them based on TIFF format. Major digital camera manufacturers assign different file extension for their RAW formats. One of the most known RAW formats include:
Digital camera photo RAW files can be opened in vendor's specialized software, like Canon Digital Photo Professional, Nikon Capture NX-D, Panasonic PHOTOfunSTUDIO, etc.
You can also use universal photo editors, like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Zoner Photo Studio and many more.
These apps are also able to transform RAW images to popular picture image formats, like JPG, PNG, BMP etc.
Updated: January 3, 2025
The default software associated to open raw file:
Company or developer:
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is set of tools used to manage and post-product photo images. It is used for viewing, editing, and managing digital photos. It is support variety of picture image formats as well as camera RAWs. The latest version is Lightroom 6. It is available either as standalone or as part of Adobe Creative Cloud also known as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC.
List of software applications associated to the .raw 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 raw file, edit raw file, convert raw file, view raw file, play raw 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 raw files.
Software that open raw file - Digital camera photo RAW image format
Programs supporting the exension raw on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open raw file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Main software associated with raw file by default:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Other suggested software:
Zoner Photo Studio
HDR Darkroom
Adobe Photoshop
ArcSoft PhotoStudio
Corel PaintShop Pro
PhotoFiltre Studio
PanoramaStudio
ACDSee Photo Manager (obsolete/discontinued)
Picture Window Pro
