Editing raw files: Instructions for PC and Mac
Related Videos: Your problem: You can't open your camera raw files. Here's how. (May 2024).
Raw files can be used to save photos without loss of quality, showing more details after editing. In this practical tip, you can read how to edit raw files on your PC or Mac.
Raw file: that's the reason
"Raw" is English and means "raw". Most professional cameras such as SLR cameras, but also newer smartphones, offer the option of saving photos as a raw file instead of in JPG format. This has several advantages:
- With a JPG file, the image is easily edited by the camera and also compressed. This means that originally existing information is lost and the quality is also lower.
- A raw file cannot be easily opened by most of the popular photo programs, so it has to be edited first, but it offers more details and options for subsequently improving the image.
Edit raw files on the PC
Raw files have different file extensions depending on the camera manufacturer. So the file can have .raw, .cr2, .dng or some other extension. There is a wide range of programs with which you can edit the files.
- Lightroom : Adobe Photoshop Lightroom has been at the forefront of programs that process raw files for years. It offers a wide range of functions to make every detail in the photo stand out as you wish.
- You can import your images via the "Library" tab and then edit your images under "Develop". The program works almost exclusively with sliders that can regulate color, light and noise exactly.
- You can download a 7-day free Lightroom trial here.
- Lightzone : The program is free and also offers a wide range of functions. There is also a "Browse" area for importing your photos and an "Edit" area in which you can edit your photos optimally.
- Lightzone is available for PC and Mac.
- Paint.net: The Paint.net program combines many functions from various programs. These include simple programs such as Microsoft Paint and features of Adobe Photoshop.
- However, raw files are not directly supported: You must download the "Raw File Type" plugin from the Paint.net forum.
Edit raw files on Mac
There are also numerous programs for your Mac to edit raw files.
- Darktable : Darktable was only available for Mac for a long time, but is now also available for other systems. The program is free and offers all functions that are necessary for editing raw files.
- The program is a complete alternative for Adobe Lightroom and offers a similar structure. Your images can be edited using sliders. You can download the program here.
- RAW Therapee: This program is also free and offers a complete alternative to Lightroom and Photoshop.
- Download RAW Therapee here.
If you have edited your raw files and want to publish them, it is often a good idea to watermark the photos. We will show you how in the next practical tip.