When you are taking photos with a professional digital camera, you are going to have to deal with RAW files, unless you change the default format. And for some, this can be a problem.
However, it doesn’t have to be. RAW files are of the greatest quality, because they store all of the image data, allowing users to adjust the variable how they like.
In this article, we will cover these files in more depth. As well as teach you how to convert them for whatever needs you have.
Whenever you’re ready to take your photo editing journey to the next level, keep reading.
What Are RAW Files?
There are many types of RAW files. The most common is the.RAW extension for a Photoshop file, used in certain scenarios like image data transfers between applications. This format describes the color information of pixel-by-pixel text in binary form.
It has nothing to do with RAW image formats that are created on digital cameras. Digital camera RAW image files provide the greatest quality because all of the camera sensor data is saved in an uncompressed and unprocessed form.
Some examples of these image formats are Nikon NEF, Olympus ORF, Fuji RAF, Sony ARW, Adobe DNG, Canon CR2, Panasonic RW2, and many others.
Camera raw images allow editors to change the photo parameters however they like because there were no modifications already made. Processed photos will usually end up in a .JPG or.TIFF format.
A RAW file might also represent a Raw Audio Data file, in which the same concept of lack of compression and processing is applicable. Other files with.RAW might be for the GameCube Emulator or Wii.
How to Convert RAW Files?
You have several options when it comes to converting RAW files. For instance, digital camera RAW files can be converted with a built-in converter.
Nikon cameras often come with an option to convert within the device. Although convenience is a virtue, the tools only let you adjust some attributes. Not to mention, there’s an issue of judging the exposure, color, sharpness from the camera monitor.
A small screen will present an image much differently than a computer monitor. Having the conversion option on your camera in a rush is great, but it should not be your go-to option.
How many image attributes you can adjust will depend on the software of your choosing, so if you’re looking for a program to convert your files, research intricately.
Some simple programs change the format .RAW to another, applying the same attributes the camera used when you take the photo in the original format.
Adobe Photoshop has a converter that allows you to adjust several panels of image attributes. For specifics on in-camera conversion, you will need to look at the manual. You can also find specific tutorials that are designed for your applications of choice.
General RAW Conversion Rules
In any case, there are some general rules to follow when starting with a RAW conversion. First and foremost, you should never delete your original RAW file.
You might want to convert the file again with a different setting someday. Keeping the RAW file means you will have a pristine condition that you can return to whenever you like.
The settings used when making the conversion will stay with the RAW file, sort of like an outline of a recipe. The next time you open the file, you will not have to make adjustments again. They have applied automatically.
Because your image data is still RAW, you can apply new adjustments without doing any damage to the image. To retain the greatest image quality after conversion, save the file in TIFF.
TIFF is a non-destructive format. It preserves as much of the image data as possible. This means you get the best quality, which is why TIFF is the standard for publishing.
Most word processing, photo editing, and publishing software can work with TIFF. Most retail labs print TIFF primarily. Other non-destructive formats are PSD and PNG, which is why Photoshop uses them natively.
PNG is compatible with practically all programs, but very few offer compatibility with PSD files. So if you want to make things simple and nobody requires more of you, simple use TIFF.
TIFF Downside & JPEG Use
TIFF does have one issue, however. Pictures in this format will be of much greater size than JPEG. But that’s what you have to deal with if you want to retain the best possible quality. If you want to use your converted image online, you will need to store it in JPEG.
TIFF cannot be worked online. Emails, browsers, and other apps don’t display them. JPEG is the universal photo format and is also compatible with almost all software/retail locations.
Just know that JPEG is a loss format, which means you will experience quality depreciation because of the compression. As far as RAW conversion, the best practice is to save two copies, one in TIFF and one in JPEG.
Image Conversion Online
Now that you know what RAW files are, as well as how to convert them, you are that much closer to making sure you get the results you want. As long as you know what file you want to end up with and which attributes to retain, you will get exactly what you want.
And if you’re interested in converting the various image files to any other image format, check out our online conversion tool for free.