File Extension Database

Open NEF File

The NEF extension comes from the abbreviation for Nikon Electronic Format, and used only on Nikon cameras.

In other words, a file with the NEF extension is a Nikon Raw Image file.

Nikon's products include cameras, camera lenses, binoculars, microscopes, ophthalmic lenses, measuring instruments, rifle scopes, telescopes, and the scalers used in the photolithography steps of semiconductor manufacturing, of which it is the second largest manufacturer. biggest of the world.

Like other RAW image files, NEF files retain everything captured by the camera before being processed, including metadata such as camera and lens model.

For additional information, the NEF file format is based on TIFF.

Open a NEF file

Windows users with the proper codec on their computer can display NEF files without the need for additional software.

NEF files can also be opened with:

Able Rawer
Photoshop
IrfanView
GIMP
AfterShot Pro

If you're a Photoshop user but can't open NEF files, you may need to install the latest version of the Camera Raw plugin compatible with your version of Photoshop.

NEF files can also be opened with Nikon's CaptureNX2 or ViewNX 2 software.

The former is only available by purchase, but the latter can be downloaded and installed by anyone to open and edit NEF files.

Mobile devices can also open NEF files.

Google Snapseed is an example of an application that supports this format, available for iOS and Android.

Software to open and work with a NEF file

Able Rawer (Not Available)
Photoshop
IrfanView
GIMP
AfterShot Pro

Typical NEF application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Frequently used application names to open NEF files:

Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.raw.14.0

How Can I Open NEF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open NEF file is to find a NEF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a NEF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open NEF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as NEF file opener then try to search online for "NEF viewer", "application to open NEF file" or "open NEF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open NEF file

How Can I Open NEF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a NEF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a NEF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with NEF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as NEF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open NEF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open NEF file then try to search for "NEF viewer", "application to open NEF file" or "read NEF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read NEF file

How Can I Open NEF File on Android

If you downloaded a NEF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded NEF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "NEF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "NEF viewer", "NEF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open NEF File on iPhone or iPad

To open NEF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the NEF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "NEF". This way you can find apps which can open NEF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "NEF viewer" or "NEF file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.