File Extension Database

Open RAW File

The RAW format is a digital image file format that contains all of the image data as captured by the camera's digital sensor, be it photographic or otherwise.

That is, the image is lossless and although it can be considered as compressed, it actually has all the maximum data load that the image can have.

The size of this type of file is the maximum that the image can have, and the color depth is also maximized.

RAW files are generally processed with professional cameras, due to the need to preserve important details of the shots.

This does not mean that RAW images look 'better' than a JPG image with little loss, actually, it is because cameras apply filters and enhancements to RAW images, and then convert them to JPG.

In the world of photography, the RAW file is also known as a 'digital negative', although this would be an uncertain definition, since the negatives (physical) of an image cannot be altered, a RAW image can.

Software to open and work with RAW files

Below is a list of software packages which can either convert or open RAW files:

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Photoshop.RAWFile.11

How Can I Open RAW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open RAW file is to find a RAW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a RAW 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 RAW 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 RAW file opener then try to search online for "RAW viewer", "application to open RAW file" or "open RAW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open RAW file

How Can I Open RAW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a RAW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a RAW 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 RAW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as RAW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open RAW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open RAW file then try to search for "RAW viewer", "application to open RAW file" or "read RAW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read RAW file

How Can I Open RAW File on Android

If you downloaded a RAW 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 RAW 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 "RAW".
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 "RAW viewer", "RAW 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 RAW File on iPhone or iPad

To open RAW 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 RAW 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 "RAW". This way you can find apps which can open RAW 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 "RAW viewer" or "RAW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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