How to Convert RAW to JPG (Free Methods & Software)

What are RAW Files?

RAW files are unprocessed image data captured directly from your camera's sensor. Unlike JPG, which applies compression and in-camera processing, RAW files preserve all the original data, giving photographers maximum flexibility for editing.

Each camera manufacturer uses their own RAW format. Common RAW formats include:

• CR2 / CR3: Canon cameras
• NEF: Nikon cameras
• ARW: Sony cameras
• ORF: Olympus cameras
• RAF: Fujifilm cameras
• RW2: Panasonic cameras
• DNG: Adobe's universal RAW format
• PEF: Pentax cameras

Why Convert RAW to JPG?

While RAW files offer editing advantages, there are many situations where JPG is the better choice:

• Sharing photos: Most people can't open RAW files. JPG works everywhere.
• Social media: Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms require JPG or PNG.
• Email attachments: RAW files are too large (20-50 MB each) for email.
• Printing services: Most photo labs accept JPG but not RAW.
• Storage space: A 25 MB RAW file becomes a 2-5 MB JPG.
• Website use: RAW files cannot be displayed in browsers.
• Archival: JPG is a universal format that will remain readable for decades.

Method 1: Adobe Lightroom (Industry Standard)

Adobe Lightroom is the most popular tool for RAW processing among professional and amateur photographers. It offers powerful editing tools and excellent RAW support.

Step 1: Import RAW Files

Open Lightroom and click Import. Navigate to your RAW files and select them. Lightroom automatically recognizes all major RAW formats.

Step 2: Edit (Optional)

Use the Develop module to adjust exposure, white balance, colors, and other settings. This is the advantage of shooting RAW - you have full control over the final image.

Step 3: Export as JPG

Select the photos you want to export, then go to File → Export. Choose JPEG as the format, set quality to 85-100%, and click Export.

Method 2: Free Software Options

RawTherapee (Free, Open Source)

RawTherapee is a powerful, completely free RAW processor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports virtually every RAW format and offers professional-grade editing tools.

1. Download from rawtherapee.com
2. Open your RAW file using File → Open
3. Make any desired edits
4. Click the Export icon (bottom left)
5. Select JPEG, set quality, and save

darktable (Free, Open Source)

darktable is another excellent free option with a workflow similar to Lightroom. It's particularly popular among Linux users but works on all platforms.

1. Download from darktable.org
2. Import your RAW files to the library
3. Switch to the darkroom for editing
4. Go to File → Export and choose JPEG format

GIMP with UFRaw (Free)

GIMP can open RAW files with the UFRaw plugin. This is ideal if you already use GIMP for image editing and want a free solution.

Method 3: Camera Manufacturer Software

Most camera manufacturers provide free software for processing their RAW files:

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP)

Canon's free software for CR2 and CR3 files. Available from Canon's website for registered camera owners. Offers excellent color accuracy for Canon cameras.

Nikon NX Studio

Nikon's free software for NEF files. Provides accurate color reproduction and integrates with Nikon's Picture Control system.

Sony Imaging Edge

Sony's free software for ARW files. Includes Edit and Viewer applications for RAW processing and organization.

Fujifilm X RAW Studio

Fujifilm's software uses the camera's processor (when connected via USB) for accurate film simulations and fast processing.

Method 4: Windows & macOS Built-in Tools

Windows Photos App

Windows 10/11 can open many RAW formats natively with the Microsoft Raw Image Extension (available free from Microsoft Store).

1. Install "Raw Image Extension" from Microsoft Store
2. Open RAW file in Photos app
3. Click Edit → Save a copy
4. Choose JPEG format

macOS Preview

Apple's Preview app supports many RAW formats. It's the quickest way to convert RAW to JPG on Mac:

1. Open RAW file in Preview
2. Go to File → Export
3. Select JPEG as format
4. Adjust quality slider and save

macOS Photos

Apple Photos offers basic RAW editing and export. Import your RAW files, make edits, then export as JPEG using File → Export.

Method 5: Online Converters

Online converters work when you need a quick conversion without installing software. However, keep privacy considerations in mind.

Pros:

• No software installation required
• Works on any device with a browser
• Quick and easy for single files

Cons:

• Files must be uploaded to a server
• Privacy concerns for personal photos
• Limited editing options
• File size limits (usually 50-100 MB)
• No batch processing for many files

Method 6: Command Line (Advanced)

For batch converting many RAW files, command-line tools are efficient:

# Using dcraw (raw converter)
dcraw -c -w image.CR2 | cjpeg -quality 90 > image.jpg

# Using ImageMagick (with dcraw delegate)
magick input.NEF output.jpg

# Batch convert all CR2 files
for f in *.CR2; do dcraw -c -w "$f" | cjpeg > "${f%.CR2}.jpg"; done

Install dcraw from your package manager or dcraw.cybercom.net. ImageMagick needs dcraw as a delegate for RAW support.

RAW vs JPG: Understanding the Differences

Quality Settings When Exporting to JPG

95-100% Quality

Maximum quality for archival or professional printing. File sizes will be larger (5-15 MB) but indistinguishable from the original RAW.

85-95% Quality (Recommended)

Excellent quality for most uses including high-quality prints and portfolios. Visually identical to 100% but with smaller file sizes (3-8 MB).

70-85% Quality

Good quality for web use, social media, and casual sharing. Minor compression artifacts visible only at extreme magnification.

Below 70% Quality

Noticeable quality loss. Use only when file size is critical (email thumbnails, quick previews).

Tips for Best Results

Edit Before Converting

The main advantage of RAW is editing flexibility. Adjust exposure, white balance, and colors in your RAW editor before exporting to JPG. You can't recover this flexibility once converted.

Choose the Right Color Space

• sRGB: Use for web, social media, and screen viewing
• AdobeRGB: Use for professional printing (larger color gamut)
• ProPhoto RGB: Only for advanced workflows with color-managed printing

Keep Your RAW Files

Never delete your original RAW files after converting. Storage is cheap, and you may want to re-edit or re-export your photos in the future with different settings or for different purposes.

Use Proper Resolution

• Full resolution: For printing and archival
• 2048px long edge: For social media and web
• 1200px: For email and quick sharing

Batch Converting Multiple RAW Files

When you return from a photoshoot with hundreds of RAW files, batch conversion saves hours:

Lightroom

Select multiple photos in Library view, then export. Apply presets for consistent editing across all images.

RawTherapee

Use the File Browser tab to select multiple images. Apply a processing profile, then use the batch queue for export.

XnConvert (Free)

XnConvert is a dedicated batch converter that supports RAW formats. Add your files, set output format to JPG, and process thousands of images at once.

Common Questions

Why can't I open my RAW files?

RAW files require specialized software. Install your camera manufacturer's software, or use free options like RawTherapee or darktable. On Windows, install the "Raw Image Extension" from Microsoft Store.

Is quality lost when converting RAW to JPG?

Yes, but it's usually acceptable. RAW files have more data (12-14 bit) than JPG (8 bit). At high quality settings (85%+), the visible difference is minimal. The main loss is editing flexibility, not visible quality.

Should I shoot RAW or JPG?

Shoot RAW if you plan to edit your photos. Shoot JPG if you want images ready to use immediately. Many photographers shoot RAW+JPG to have both options.

Can I convert JPG back to RAW?

No. Once converted to JPG, the extra RAW data is permanently lost. You can rename a JPG to have a RAW extension, but it won't have RAW capabilities. Always keep your original RAW files.

Which RAW converter is best?

For most users, RawTherapee or darktable (both free) provide excellent results. Professionals often prefer Adobe Lightroom for its workflow features. For quick conversions without editing, your camera's manufacturer software works well.

Conclusion

Converting RAW to JPG is a common workflow for photographers who need to share their work. While RAW files offer maximum editing flexibility, JPG provides universal compatibility and reasonable file sizes.

For best results, edit your RAW files before exporting, use quality settings of 85% or higher, and always keep your original RAW files. Whether you use free software like RawTherapee or professional tools like Lightroom, the conversion process is straightforward once you understand the basics.

Remember: RAW is for editing, JPG is for sharing. Use both formats strategically in your photography workflow.