.raw — Camera Raw Image
A family of camera sensor formats used before a photo is rendered into JPG, TIFF, or WebP.
About this format
RAW is not one single standard. It is a family of camera vendor formats that store minimally processed sensor data.
Use RAW when you need maximum editing latitude. Export a normal image format when you need compatibility, previews, or upload support.
Real-world samples & file sizes
RAW samples should be judged in the sizes people actually receive, upload, or export. These reference cards show the common shapes and settings to check before choosing a conversion target.
wide preview
Use for wallpapers, video frames, and desktop previews.
square crop
Use for profile images, album art, and social posts.
feed portrait
A common portrait export for social feeds.
story frame
Use for phone-first previews and vertical posts.
Reference dimensions are platform-style targets. Compatibility and format facts are verified from the linked online sources below.
Pros
- +Maximum photo editing flexibility
- +Preserves camera metadata
- +Best source for serious photo editing
Cons
- −Vendor-specific variants
- −Large files
- −Poor browser and website support
RAW vs other formats
| vs | Size | Quality | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNG | Varies | Both are raw workflows | DNG is a more standardized container; proprietary RAW keeps vendor-specific behavior. |
| JPG | RAW is much larger | RAW has more editing latitude | JPG is ready to share but much less flexible. |
Where it works
- macOS and Windows support depends on camera codec
- Linux via raw libraries
- Browsers do not render raw camera files directly
- Lightroom
- Capture One
- darktable
- RawTherapee
- Photoshop Camera Raw
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
- Why are RAW files not consistent?
- Camera makers define their own raw containers and metadata, so support depends on the camera model and app.
- Should I convert RAW to JPG?
- Convert only after editing or when you need to share the image. Keep the RAW if you may edit again.
Sources
- Library of Congress file format descriptions - archival format descriptions and sustainability notes
- Adobe Camera Raw supported cameras - shows vendor-specific raw support by camera model