The raw format is a “raw” format of the photos where there has not yet been the encoding in the final format and therefore has not yet been manipulated or compressed so there is no data loss. For this reason, professional and semi-professional cameras to save photos use the raw format, in this way it will be possible to retouch the photo before its conversion. If you have received a raw file and you are not what can be called a true expert in the field then you are probably wondering how to convert raw files to a different format.
The good news is that you have come to the right place because in this guide I will list some ways and tools to change the format of raw files in a simple, fast and above all free way. So, enough with the preambles and let’s get straight to the point!
Index
- Convert raw files from Computer
- XnView MP
- Photos (Windows)
- Preview (Mac)
- RawTherapee (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Online Converter Free (Web)
- Convertio (Web)
- I Love IMG (Web)
- Zamzar (Web)
- Convert raw files from Smartphone
- Adobe Lightroom (iOS, Android)
- DCraw Mobile (Android)
Convert raw files from Computer
XnView MP
A not well known program that allows you to convert raw files is XN VIew MP . This program was born as a photo editor but also allows you to adjust brightness and colors, apply filters to photos and perform batch raw photo conversions. To download it from Windows, scroll down and press the Zip Win 32bit key (for 32-bit Windows), on Zip Win 64bit (for 64-bit Windows). Once the zip archive has been downloaded, run the xnviewmp.exe file contained within it.
Photos (Windows)
Starting with Windows 8, an application called simply Photos has been introduced in the Microsoft operating system that allows you to see photos on windows. This application can also be used to open raw files and convert them to another format; you just have to double click on the raw file to open it with Photos and then save with the new format. Among other things, Photo not only allows you to change the format of raw files but also to vary the standard parameters for color and light.
Preview (Mac)
On Mac the fastest solution to open and change the format of raw files is to use the Preview tool already present in the Apple operating system. All you have to do is double-click on the raw file you want to open to open it with the Preview program and from here save it with a new format
RawTherapee (Windows, Mac, Linux)
A very good completely freeware program for Windows, Mac and Linux that allows you to change the format of raw files is RawTherapee . This program allows you to edit raw files and convert them to other formats.
Online Converter Free (Web)
The Online converter Free site allows you to convert raw files into jpg or other format for free without having to install any software on your computer. You can convert a raw file on your computer or contained in Google Drive or Dropbox. All you have to do to change the format of raw files with Online Converter Free is to click on the word Select file and select the raw images to convert; then you will have to specify the target format and that’s it!
Convertio (Web)
Convertio is a web service that allows you to perform numerous format conversions and in our case also to convert the raw file into all readable formats (for example jpg. To be more precise Convertio allows you to convert the RAF format which is a format for storing uncompressed image which was created for use on Fuji cameras and belongs to the raw family.
To open raw files online and convert them with Convertio, just click on the word choose file and select the raw file to convert.
I Love IMG (Web)
I Love IMG is a great free web service to convert raw file to jpg. It actually allows you to convert other image formats as well (CR2, RW2, NEF, ARW, SR2, ORF, PEF, RAF). The peculiarity of this service is that it allows you to convert multiple raw files with a single click. To open raw files online and convert them with I Love IMG, just click on Select Images and select the raw images to convert.
Zamzar (Web)
Zamzar is a great free web service for converting images and videos. In the specific case, Zamzar allows us to convert the raw file into jpg, bmp, gif, png and others; unfortunately the free service allows you to make a limited number of conversions per day.
To open raw files online and convert them with Zamzar, just click on Add file and select the raw images to convert; then you will need to specify the target format.
Convert raw files from Smartphone
Adobe Lightroom (iOS, Android)
Adobe Lightroom is a fantastic app that allows you to change the format of raw files and is available for iOS and Android .; is the official Adobe app and this is obviously a guarantee of quality. With this app you can insert filters into photos but also crop and rotate them, adjust colors and change exposure, hue, saturation and contrast. Unfortunately, however, the functionality to convert raw files is not free but you will need to subscribe.
DCraw Mobile (Android)
On Android there is a completely free and excellent application to convert DCraw Mobile raw files . This app allows you to optimize raw photos by balancing white and saturation and to choose the color profile in which we want to export the photo and obviously to convert raw files into JPEG or TIFF format. DCraw Mobile does not have many features but it is in fact the only completely free app that allows the conversion of raw files from smartphones.
So, in conclusion, you can convert raw files from your computer or directly from your smartphone even if working on professional files directly from your mobile is certainly not the best choice. To change the format of raw files are also available completely free web services which, however, do not allow at the same time to make color corrections.
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