---
title: ".raw file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .raw file is a Camera Raw Image. Unprocessed sensor data from a camera — and, confusingly, a literal extension used by Panasonic and Leica. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/raw/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .raw files

**.raw file: Camera Raw Image**

Unprocessed sensor data from a camera — and, confusingly, a literal extension used by Panasonic and Leica.

## What opens a .raw file

- **Windows:** Photos (with the free Raw Image Extension), Adobe Lightroom, darktable, RawTherapee
- **macOS:** Photos (built in), Preview (built in), Adobe Lightroom, darktable
- **Linux:** darktable, RawTherapee, GIMP (via darktable plugin)

## What a .raw file is

"Raw" usually means the whole family of unprocessed camera formats, each vendor using its own extension: .cr2/.cr3 for Canon, .nef for Nikon, .arw for Sony. Some Panasonic and Leica bodies genuinely name their files .raw. Either way the file is sensor data plus metadata, not a picture, so it must be developed in a raw editor before it looks right, and old software will not recognise files from a camera released after it.

## Converting it

A .raw file is commonly converted to .jpg, .dng, .tiff, .png or .psd. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .raw
- **Full name:** Camera Raw Image
- **Category:** Images
- **Created by:** Various camera makers
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .raw file?

On Windows use Photos (with the free Raw Image Extension); on macOS use Photos (built in); on Linux use darktable. Unprocessed sensor data from a camera — and, confusingly, a literal extension used by Panasonic and Leica.

### What is a .raw file?

Camera Raw Image. "Raw" usually means the whole family of unprocessed camera formats, each vendor using its own extension: .cr2/.cr3 for Canon, .nef for Nikon, .arw for Sony. Some Panasonic and Leica bodies genuinely name their files .raw.

### Can I convert a .raw file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .jpg, .dng, .tiff, .png or .psd, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.jpg — JPEG Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/jpg/)
- [.png — Portable Network Graphics](https://atoneplace.net/file/png/)
- [.jpeg — JPEG Image (four-letter form)](https://atoneplace.net/file/jpeg/)
- [.heic — High Efficiency Image Container](https://atoneplace.net/file/heic/)
- [.webp — WebP Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/webp/)
- [.gif — Graphics Interchange Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/gif/)
- [.psd — Adobe Photoshop Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/psd/)
- [.svg — Scalable Vector Graphics](https://atoneplace.net/file/svg/)
- [.ai — Adobe Illustrator Artwork](https://atoneplace.net/file/ai/)
- [.avif — AV1 Image File Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/avif/)
- [.tiff — Tagged Image File Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/tiff/)
- [.ico — Windows Icon](https://atoneplace.net/file/ico/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)