A RAW file describes the raw data format in digital photography. This means that after digitization, the images are largely saved without processing. For this reason, these data are also considerably larger than JPG files, but can be edited more easily. Our tips + tricks show you how to open RAW files.
What are RAW files?
A RAW file stores detailed image information within the field of digital photography. The file corresponds to an unedited and uncompressed photo file. Compared to JPG files, no details and image information are lost here. So if you want to have more color depth and more tonal values available that you want to process better, opt for the RAW format. For a detailed comparison of the two formats, read our article JPEG or RAW on heise online. Below is a brief comparison between the image formats.
| | RAW | JPG |
| Memory usage | High | Low |
| picture quality | very good | Average |
| Post-processing options | very good | Limited |
| | RAW | JPG |
| Memory usage | High | Low |
| picture quality | very good | Average |
| Post-processing options | very good | Limited |
A photo in RAW format that you want to edit or open later does not always have the extension .raw . The ending of the RAW format differs depending on the manufacturer. We have put together the most common manufacturers and the endings of the RAW formats for you..
| Manufacturer | RAW filename extension |
| Adobe | .dng |
| Canon | .tif, .crw, .cr2, .cr3
|
| Epson | .erf |
| Fujifilm | .raf |
| Kodak | .dcr, .dcs, .kdc, .raw |
| Leica | .raw, .dng, .rwl |
| Nikon | .nef, .nrw |
| Olympus | .orf, .ori |
| Panasonic | .raw, .rw2 |
| Pentax | .pef, .dng |
| Ricoh | .dng |
| Samsung | .srw, .dng
|
| Sigma | .x3f |
| Sony | .arw |
| Manufacturer | RAW filename extension |
| Adobe | .dng |
| Canon | .tif, .crw, .cr2, .cr3
|
| Epson | .erf |
| Fujifilm | .raf |
| Kodak | .dcr, .dcs, .kdc, .raw |
| Leica | .raw, .dng, .rwl |
| Nikon | .nef, .nrw |
| Olympus | .orf, .ori |
| Panasonic | .raw, .rw2 |
| Pentax | .pef, .dng |
| Ricoh | .dng |
| Samsung | .srw, .dng
|
| Sigma | .x3f |
| Sony | .arw |
How to open RAW files
A tool that can open almost all RAW formats is the free image viewer XnView, which you can download from our download page: XnView
After the download, just follow the installation steps. Then you can open the program and navigate to your RAW photo via " File "> " Open " or use the image management bar on the left.
