Can you extract the embedded JPEG preview from a RAW-only photo?
Asked 4/29/2013
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When a camera is set to shoot RAW only, it still embeds a JPEG preview in the RAW file for the camera LCD and for quick previews in some software. Is it possible to save that embedded preview as a separate JPEG afterward, and if so, what tools can do it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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The command-line utility dcraw can do this, using the dcraw -e flag. However, it apparently has issues with large images in Windows Vista and Windows 7 (see the FAQ on that page).
IrfanView displays the embedded JPEG when opening some forms of RAW. If it's able to open your type, you can simply open the RAW and do a "Save as --> JPEG".
This forum user wrote a command-line Perl script called icat, which he claims can extract the JPEG preview using jcat -j
The command-line utility bitmaprip is built specifically for this. However, it only supports some types of RAW.
FileJuicer will extract the embedded JPEGs by default, but it is Mac OSX only.
Some people have claimed that FastStone Viewer has this ability.
Lots of people online recommend Instant JPEG from RAW. However, this will actually convert the RAW to a JPEG, not extract the embedded JPEG like you are looking for.
Originally by user4848. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4848
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. In many RAW formats, the camera-written JPEG preview can be extracted from the RAW file and saved as a separate JPEG.
Common ways mentioned:
dcraw -e file.rawextracts the embedded preview and typically creates athumb.jpgfile.exiftoolcan extractJpgFromRaworPreviewImagefrom many cameras.- Some GUI apps may also do it, depending on RAW format support, including IrfanView, FastStone Viewer, FileJuicer (Mac), and other dedicated extractors.
A few caveats:
- Support varies by camera and RAW format.
- The embedded JPEG may be a full-size preview or a smaller thumbnail, depending on the camera.
- It will reflect the in-camera picture style/settings (for example B&W, contrast, saturation), unlike the editable RAW data.
So the short answer is: yes, often you can save it after the fact, but the exact tool and result depend on your camera’s RAW file format.
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