Tips to open NEF file
Can't open the NEF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open NEF files as well as a list of programs that support NEF files.
NEF file extension
| File Name |
Nikon Electronic Format RAW Image |
| File Developer |
Nikon |
| File Category |
Data Files |
The NEF file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the NEF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the NEF file on each system platform.
What is NEF file?
The .NEF file is an image file. This file is associated with the brand of Nikon cameras and SLRs. It is a RAW file format, which means that the data is not subjected to compression or any other changes, but only saved as data straight from the device's matrix. Additionally, the image contains metadata specifying what configuration was used to take the photo. What's more interesting, when editing in a dedicated program, the graphic data is not finally modified, but only edits are applied to it in the form of additional entries at the end of the file.
How to open NEF file?
The main problem with Nikon Electronic Format RAW Image is that the NEF file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open NEF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the NEF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install ViewNX
In this case, you should first verify that the ViewNX application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name ViewNX into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support NEF files.
Programs to open NEF file
Remember to download programs supporting NEF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of ViewNX with NEF files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the NEF file still does not use the ViewNX program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the ViewNX application as the default for handling the NEF file.
Step 3. Update ViewNX to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the ViewNX program, it is possible that Nikon Electronic Format RAW Image requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Nikon Corporation website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the NEF file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to NEF files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file NEF or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover NEF files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of NEF file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged NEF files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Nikon, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file NEF except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the NEF file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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