Tips to open RAW file
Can't open the RAW file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open RAW files as well as a list of programs that support RAW files.
RAW file extension
| File Name |
Raw Image Data Format |
| File Category |
Data Files |
The RAW file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the RAW files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the RAW file on each system platform.
What is RAW file?
A .RAW file is an image file. It is a RAW file, which means that not the data representation is saved, but specific data from the CCD matrix. Most manufacturers use proprietary RAW file formats, but Panasonic, Leica and Casio use the .RAW file format. This file is not compressed, therefore its size may be even several times larger than the corresponding .JPG file. RAW files are for professional use and require specialized editors.
How to open RAW file?
The most common problem when using Raw Image Data Format is that a specific RAW is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open RAW, 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 RAW 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 Apple Preview
The first step is to check if the computer has the Apple Preview program installed. This can be achieved by typing Apple Preview into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support RAW files.
Programs to open RAW file
Remember to download programs supporting RAW files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Apple Preview with RAW files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the RAW file to open in the Apple Preview application, but you can set it manually. 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 select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the RAW file with the Apple Preview program.
Step 3. Update Apple Preview to the latest version
If, however, after binding Apple Preview with Raw Image Data Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the RAW file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the RAW file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. 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 RAW or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover RAW files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of RAW file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged RAW files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted RAW files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the RAW file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the RAW file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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