How to open RAW files on your device
If an error occurs when you try to open RAW file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate RAW files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.
RAW File Extension
- File type Raw Image Data Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Raster Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) RAW file?
RAW is a file type used to save image data taken from digital cameras. It contains data collected by the camera’s image sensor, in an uncompressed, unprocessed format. When untouched or developed, this data can produce images in higher quality than the more commonly-used JPEG or TIFF formats.
As a result, RAW file types are larger than JPEG of TIFF files and often require special post-processing software to be viewed and manipulated correctly. They usually have proprietary extensions based on the camera manufacturer and are identified with the “raw” label in the filename.
How to open RAW file?
There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .RAW files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.
Step 1. Install a program that supports RAW files
In order to open RAW file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with RAW extension.
Programs that can open RAW files
Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, RAW files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.
Remember!
Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on RAW files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to RAW files.
Step 2. Associate given software with RAW files
A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting RAW files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with RAW files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open RAW files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open RAW files.
Step 3. Check whether no other errors related to RAW files occur
When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the RAW file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:
- File with RAW extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
- File data is corrupted
- Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the RAW file is stored
- File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the RAW file was saved and then deleted
- User account is not privileged to perform operations on RAW files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
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