RAW File Extension
Raw Image Data Format
- File Type raw
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Lightroom
- Category Raster Image Files, Camera RAW Files
- Format Binary
What is a RAW file?
The RAW extension is used by Raw Image Data Format and falls under the categories of Raster Image Files and Camera RAW Files, covering 626 files.
RAW file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. There are 20 programs available to view a RAW file, including popular tools like Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and ACDSee Photo Manager.
Programs that support RAW files
Windows
Online Services
How to open a RAW file?
If you are having trouble opening a RAW file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
Thanks to their popularity, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and ACDSee Photo Manager are often the go-to programs for managing RAW files. If you want the most recent release of Adobe Lightroom, head over to the Adobe site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.
After completing the installation, RAW files should be recognized by the system and linked to Adobe Lightroom.
Set Adobe Lightroom as your default RAW viewer
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired RAW file to open a menu of available actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for Adobe Lightroom. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Change a default app in Windows
- To get started, right-click your RAW file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Adobe Lightroom as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening RAW files.
Solving Common RAW File Challenges
While RAW files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.
What Causes Adobe Lightroom to Crash Frequently?
Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of Adobe Lightroom crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Adobe products.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.
How can I restore a damaged RAW file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged RAW file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged raster image files.
How can I determine if my RAW file is damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted RAW raster image files can include:
- Adobe Lightroom or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
- Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained RAW file size inflation;
- Editing the archive in Adobe Lightroom is hampered by poor overall performance;
How to edit a RAW file?
To modify RAW files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit raster image files. Online RAW editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Raw Image Data Format.
Best RAW Editor Software in 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of RAW editors currently available.
| RAW Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| ArcSoft PhotoStudio | ArcSoft | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| ACDSee Photo Manager | ACD Systems | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| PhotoFiltre Studio | Antonio Da Cruz | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| darktable | darktable team | Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| HDR Darkroom | Everimaging | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (41 review) |
| PanoramaStudio | Tobias Hüllmandel | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| Adobe Lightroom | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.1 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Picture Information Extractor | Picmeta Systems | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Zoner Photo Studio | ZONER | Windows | 4.1 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
Convert files to and from RAW
If working with a RAW file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIF or other supported formats.
After converting a RAW file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.