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RAW photography guides

Practical, in-depth help for getting more out of your RAW files — whichever software you use.

These guides cover what people actually run into after they switch their camera to RAW — from "why does this look so flat?" to "what size should I export for Instagram?" and "how do I keep ten years of RAW files safe?". Each one is written to be useful whatever software you edit with. Example images are real conversions of a sample Sony ARW file, labeled with the exact settings used.

Understanding RAW

RAW vs JPEG: what really changes, and when it mattersA RAW file is the raw ingredients; a JPEG is the finished meal. Here is what that difference means in practice, with the numbers behind it and a simple way to decide which one to shoot. Why your RAW photos look flat (and how to fix them fast)The photo looked great on the camera screen, then opened gray and lifeless on your computer. Nothing is wrong with the file. Here is what happened and how to get the punch back in under a minute. RAW formats compared: what actually differs between ARW, CR3, NEF, RAF and the restEvery camera maker has its own raw format, but underneath they store the same kind of data. The real differences are in packaging, compression options, software support and how safe they are to archive. Phone RAW explained: Apple ProRAW, Samsung Expert RAW and Android DNGPhone RAW files are not the same kind of RAW your camera writes. Here is what is inside them, when they are worth the storage, and how to turn them into good JPGs.

Editing your RAW files

White balance in RAW: fixing color casts the right wayWhite balance is the one decision RAW lets you remake completely after the shot. This guide explains what Temp and Tint actually do, how to judge them, and how to handle the tricky cases like mixed light and sunsets. Exposing for RAW: histograms, ETTR and highlight warningsRAW gives you room to fix exposure later, but not unlimited room. Exposing well at capture is still the biggest quality lever you have. This guide shows how to read the tools your camera already gives you. Recovering highlights and shadows in RAW photosRAW files hold more detail at the bright and dark ends than any JPEG shows you. Here is how to bring it back, how far you can realistically push, and the mistakes that make edits look fake. Dealing with high ISO noise in RAW photosNoise is mostly a light problem, not an ISO problem. Understanding where it comes from tells you how to avoid it in the field and how to hide what remains when you export. Making better black and white photos from RAWPulling the color out of a photo takes one click. Making a black and white image that has depth and punch takes a few more decisions, and RAW gives you room to make them. Using presets on RAW photos, and building your ownA preset is just a saved set of slider values. Used well, it gives you a fast, consistent starting point. Used blindly, it makes every photo look the same in the wrong way.

Exporting & sharing

JPEG export settings that actually matterExporting a JPG comes down to three decisions: how many pixels, how much compression, and which color space. Here is how to pick each one for social media, the web, email and print without guesswork. sRGB, Adobe RGB or Display P3? Choosing a color space for exportA color space decides how the numbers in your JPEG turn into actual colors. Pick the wrong one and a vivid photo can look dull or oddly oversaturated on someone else's screen. A batch RAW to JPG workflow that keeps a whole shoot consistentConverting one RAW file is easy. Converting 200 so they look like they belong together takes a little structure. This is the workflow we recommend, from culling to the final ZIP.

Tools & workflow

RAW editors compared: which one should you actually use?There is no single best RAW editor, only the right one for how you shoot, how many photos you handle and how much time you want to spend. Here is a plain-language comparison. How to archive RAW files so you never lose a shootRAW files are your digital negatives. A simple folder structure and a real backup plan protect them for decades, without needing expensive software.

Guides by camera

Sony ARW to JPGHow Sony ARW files differ across Alpha, ZV and RX cameras, which compression to shoot, and how to turn ARW into natural-looking JPGs in your browser. Canon CR3 and CR2 to JPGCanon's RAW history from CRW to CR2 to CR3, what C-RAW and Dual Pixel RAW change, and how to turn CR3 or CR2 files into good JPGs in your browser. Nikon NEF to JPGUnderstand Nikon NEF options from DSLRs to Z cameras: lossless vs compressed, 12 vs 14-bit, High Efficiency RAW, and how to make clean JPGs from NEF files. Fujifilm RAF to JPGWhy Fujifilm RAF files look different outside the camera, how X-Trans and DR modes affect them, and how to convert RAF to JPG with a look you like. Olympus and OM System ORF to JPGConvert Olympus and OM System ORF raw files to JPG in your browser. Micro Four Thirds tips for noise, lens distortion, High Res Shot files and picture modes. Panasonic LUMIX RW2 to JPGConvert Panasonic LUMIX RW2 raw files to JPG in your browser. Covers G, GH, S full-frame and compact cameras, Photo Styles, Real Time LUTs and High Resolution mode. DNG to JPGConvert DNG raw files to JPG in your browser. How DNG differs from Leica, Pentax, Ricoh GR, DJI drone and phone files, plus fixes for DNGs that won't open.