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What You Should Know
—Photoshop RAW files can only be used with command-line image processing applications.
—Unprocessed digital camera photographs may be found in other RAW files. Use a graphics editor to open one.
—You could have an audio file or a video game save file if it isn’t in those formats.
This article defines a RAW file (there are several types), explains how to open one, and explains how to convert a RAW file to another file format.
What Is a RAW File?
This file extension is used in a variety of file formats.
Photoshop Raw File
A Photoshop Raw file might have the RAW file extension. It is only utilized in extremely particular situations, such as when sending picture data across programs.
This format describes an image’s color information in the pixel-by-pixel binary language and has nothing to do with camera raw picture formats used on digital cameras.
Additional information about Photoshop Raw files may be found in Photoshop Help and Adobe Communities.
Raw Image Files
Digital cameras collect raw picture data. Because all of the data that the camera sensor can gather is recorded in an unprocessed and uncompressed format, these formats deliver the highest picture quality from a camera.
Canon’s CR2 and CRW file formats, Adobe‘s DNG, Nikon’s NEF, Olympus’ ORF, Sony’s ARW, Panasonic’s RW2, and Fuji’s RAF file formats are all examples of raw picture formats. There are plenty of others.
Because there haven’t been any edits to the photo, camera raw data allow an editor to do all of the changes. TIFF or JPG file extensions are commonly used for processed pictures.
Other RAW Files
A RAW file might also be a raw audio data format file, in which case the same uncompressed, unprocessed principle holds true.
This extension may also be used by Wii or GameCube emulator game save format files.
RAW files are another name for Fedora Linux operating system disk images. It includes a binary copy of the operating system.
How to Open a RAW File
Photoshop Raw files appear to be directly accessible exclusively by command-line image editing software applications.
Several image editors accept camera raw formats, and many of them claim compatibility for files with the RAW extension. Photopea (online), Windows Photos, Able RAWer, GIMP (with UFRaw plug-in), and RawTherapee are some of these free apps.
Adobe Photoshop, while not free, supports a number of raw files. A 30-day Photoshop trial is an alternative if you believe it will be enough time to complete your tasks with that application.
Raw audio data files are substantially clearer and may be opened using the free and widely used Audacity tool by going to File > Import > Raw Data. RAW audio files may also be played by NCH Switch, NCH WavePad, and Awave Audio.
Related: How to Open and Convert HEIC to JPEG on Windows 10 and 11
Caution: Before you download and use Audacity, read its privacy policy to confirm you agree with its conditions.
Although RAW image/audio files are not as widespread, Dolphin Emulator employs the RAW format for emulator files. This is a portable (no installation required) solution for playing GameCube and Wii games on a computer.
Tip: Most RAW files contain uncompressed images or audio data, however it’s conceivable you have an unrelated file with the.RAW file suffix. If you’re not sure what application is used to open your unique RAW file, try opening it with a free text editor. They allow you to see it as a text file, which may assist you in determining what sort of file it is and what application is required to read it regularly.
How to Convert a RAW File
Given the alleged scarcity of actual Photoshop Raw files and the scarcity of tools that appear to open them, we aren’t aware of any file converters or other utilities that convert one to another.
We were unable to use Zamzar, a free file converter that promises to convert RAW data.
Many image editors and viewers save an open image in a different format, and RAW files may be the same. You might be able to open a RAW file in Photoshop and then use the File > Save As option to convert the file to JPG, PNG, TIFF, or other image formats.
If you have an audio file, Audacity can save it in a variety of formats, including WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, and M4A. To examine your options, go to that program’s File > Export Audio menu.
Still Can’t Open the File?
Many files have three file extension letters, making it simple to confuse one for another. If this occurs, you will receive an error if you attempt to view/edit a file using incompatible software.
RAV files, for example, are just one letter off RAW, but they are Rave Reports project files. As a result, they have nothing to do with any of the formats discussed above. Opening one in Photoshop, for example, will almost always result in an error.
