How to Open RAW Files

Most RAW files are created by digital cameras and have the .RW2, .DNG, .CR2, and .NEF file extensions. This wikiHow will show you how to open camera-created RAW files on a computer, phone, or tablet. If you're trying to view a RAW file on a PC running Windows 8.1 or earlier, you'll need to download a free camera codec pack from the Microsoft Store. All other platforms generally support the opening of RAW files without installing additional software.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Windows 10 and macOS

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    1
    Open File Explorer
    Windows File Explorer
    or Finder
    Mac Finder
    .     You can find these in either the Start menu or Dock.
  2. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 2
    2
    Navigate to the folder where the RAW file is saved. RAW files usually end with .RW2, .DNG, .CR2, or .NEF.
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  3. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 3
    3
    Double-click the file to open it in your default photo viewer. If you have a specific application in mind, you can right-click the file instead, select Open With, and then choose the right app.
    • You can click Edit or Tools in most apps to access editing tools.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Windows 8.1 and Earlier

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    1
    Go to https://www.microsoft.com in a web browser. If you're using an older version of Windows, you'll need to download some extra software to open RAW files on your computer.
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    2
    Click the magnifying glass and search for “Camera Codec Pack." The magnifying glass is near the top-right corner of the page.
  3. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 6
    3
    Click the first option in the search results. It'll be called Download Microsoft Camera Codec Pack with a version number.
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    Click the red Download button. A new page will open for you to pick a version to download.
  5. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 8
    5
    Click either the .x64 or .x86 file. If your computer is running the 64-bit version of Windows, you'll want to pick the .x64 download.
    • To check this, you can open your Settings, click About, and read under the “Device specifications” header.
  6. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 9
    6
    Click Next. You'll see this in the lower right corner of the web page. Your file browser will open and you can change the download location and name.
    • Choose Save instead of Run when the initial download completes.
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    Double-click the downloaded codec pack file. You'll usually find this in your “Downloads” folder. The codec pack file will install without requiring further input from you.
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    Navigate to and double-click on your RAW image file. After the camera codec pack is downloaded and installed, RAW camera files will open in Photo Viewer.[1]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Snapseed Mobile

  1. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 12
    1
    Download and install Snapseed. You can get Snapseed free from the Google Play Store
    Android Google Play
    or App store
    iPhone App Store Icon
    . Snapseed makes it easy to open and edit most types of RAW files on your iPhone, iPad, or Android.
    • The app developer is Google LLC.
  2. Image titled Open RAW Files Step 13
    2
    Open Snapseed. This app icon looks like a multi-shaded green leaf. You can find this on either the home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching.
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    3
    Tap anywhere on the screen to open a picture. A file browser will open.
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    4
    Navigate to and tap your RAW file. The RAW picture file should open in Snapseed for you to edit.
    • You can find tools to edit your image along the bottom of your screen, including Tools, Looks, and Export.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.lifewire.com/raw-file-2622816
  2. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/introduction-camera-raw.html

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA
Written by:
Darlene Antonelli, MA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 28,363 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: September 6, 2019
Views: 28,363
Categories: File Manipulation
Article SummaryX

1. Download the Camera Codec Pack from the Microsoft Store.
2. Double-click the Camera Codec Pack download file to start installation.
3. Navigate to and double-click your RAW file.

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