Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
6 Best Software to Open RAW Files [View & Edit]
Try these programs to view RAW files and pick what’s best for you
6 min. read
Updated onSeptember 17, 2024
updated onSeptember 17, 2024
Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
If you want to view every single detail of your photos, you need to open them as RAW files. Most digital cameras allow you to save your pictures in this format. But can your computer read them?
Yes, it can! However, you’ll need specialized software. Today, we’ll show you how to open RAW files and introduce you to the best tools on the market that support this type of image.
How can I view RAW files on Windows?
To open RAW images on Windows, you need to install the freeRAW Image Extensionfrom the Microsoft Store.
This extension allows you to view RAW file thumbnails and previews directly in File Explorer and open them with the Photos app. For advanced editing, consider using third-party software:
Best apps to view & edit RAW files on PC
InPixio Photo Studio Pro 12– comprehensive photo editing with RAW support
With InPixio Studio Pro, you can open and work directly with RAW files. This photo manipulation software offers all the features you’re looking for as a photographer or photo editor.
Color correction,background removal, object removal, and filters are just the tip of the iceberg.
Plus, as opposed to other software that drives similar results, the learning curve is minimal and it has a free version.
Key features:
inPixio Photo Studio 12 Pro
Adobe Lightroom– powerful RAW editing and management tools
Lightroom supports editing for various RAW image filename extensions such as CR3, DNG, NEF, CR2, CRW, and more.
Thanks to the AdobeCameraRAWplug-in seamlessly integrating with Lightroom’s architecture you can view and editRAWimages from differentcamerassuch as Nikon, Casio, Epson, Fujifilm, GoPro, Kodak, Konica Minolta, LG, and many others.
Key features:
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Bridge– asset management with RAW image support
Adobe Bridge is a complex asset manager that lets you preview, manage, edit, and publish multiple assets includingRAWformat images.
To open and viewRAWimages in Adobe Bridge, you only need to specify this option in theCameraRAWpreferences from the Edit menu.
Then, in the General tab, go to the Behavior area and click theCameraRAWSettings.
Key features:
Adobe Bridge
CorelDRAW– professional photo editor with RAW support & advanced features
Editing single or multipleRAWfiles is as easy as a breeze in CorelDRAW.
Simply use the controls in theCameraRAWLab to adjust the color and tone of theRAWimages, then furtherretouchthem with the advanced editing tools provided by this powerful app.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
CorelDRAW
ACDSee Photo Studio– Advanced Photo Management and RAW support
The Photo Studio by ACDSee is one powerful app that takes good care of your RAW files be it single images or Zip files containing multiple images.
The app comes in different versions perfectly suited for your digital camera (Adobe, Canon, Epson, FujiFilm, GoPro, Kodak, Konica, Nikon, and more) and there is even a separate product for Mac 6RAWsupport).
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
ACDSee Photo Studio
FileViewer Plus– Complex edit functionalities
FileViewer Plus is a universal file viewer for Windows that can open and display over 300 different file types. It can also view and edit camera RAWs from over 600 different camera models.
Even the most uncommon or unknown file types are no match for this powerful tool that can do much more than help you open your documents—the FileViewer doubles as an editor and converter for all formats.
Key features:
→Get File Viewer Plus
How to setup a default app for viewing RAW files
When you’ve installed aRAWcodec, you can open the images in the Windows photo viewer. However, thePhotosappdoesn’t support RAW by default.
You’ll need to configure the RAW file format to always open with Photo Viewer as follows:
How do I view CR2 files on Windows?
There are two options that can help you view CR2 files. First off, some versions of Windows can let you view CR2 files without additional apps, this only if you have installed Microsoft Camera Codec Pack or Canon RAW Codec software.
Summary
Although you can’t edit them with the Photos App, you can add effects to RAW photographs with software such asAdobe Lightroom,Corel’s PaintShop,Photoshop, and more.
If you have any questions aboutRAWphotos and how to deal with them on Windows 10, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:photo software,photo viewer
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
