RAW (Camera raw image) is a Camera raw format commonly used for professional photo editing, camera originals, high dynamic range adjustments. This guide covers compatibility, compression, transparency, and conversion choices.
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Transparency | No |
| Animation | No |
| Layers | No |
| Primary uses | professional photo editing, camera originals, high dynamic range adjustments |
Extension
.raw
MIME type
image/x-adobe-dng, image/x-canon-cr2, image/x-nikon-nef
Family
Camera raw
Compression
sensor data container
Browser support
photo editors
Maximum editing latitude
Keeps sensor-level data
Best source for color correction
Large files
Not browser-ready
Often proprietary per camera vendor
RAW is the ImageHQ reference page for Camera raw image. It explains where the format works well, what tradeoffs to expect, and how to choose between RAW and related formats in production image workflows.
Use RAW when the workflow values professional photo editing, camera originals, high dynamic range adjustments. This is the practical fit that matters before tuning compression or conversion settings.
- professional photo editing
- camera originals
- high dynamic range adjustments
The main advantages of RAW are predictable in real projects: maximum editing latitude, keeps sensor-level data, best source for color correction.
- Maximum editing latitude
- Keeps sensor-level data
- Best source for color correction
RAW is not always the best delivery choice. Watch for large files, not browser-ready, often proprietary per camera vendor before using it as a default.
- Large files
- Not browser-ready
- Often proprietary per camera vendor
RAW uses sensor data container compression behavior. That affects file size, editability, transparency, and whether repeated export cycles can visibly change the image.
Convert RAW files when a recipient, browser, archive, or editing tool needs a different balance of compatibility, transparency, file size, or preservation.
RAW is web-ready when browser support and file size match the use case. Compare it with WebP, AVIF, PNG, and JPG before choosing a default.
RAW transparency support: no. Use PNG, WebP, AVIF, SVG, or PSD when alpha transparency is required.