How can I view and edit RAW photos without Adobe software?

Asked 10/30/2012

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I want to open, view, and edit photos shot in RAW format, but I don't have Adobe software. Are there other ways to work with RAW files, especially free options?

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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...use Google? - Although you possibly did this already given you know about Adobe?

So some pointers: Your camera will have normally come with a RAW editor - for Canon this is Digital Photo Professional. Other manufacturers have their own systems - Phocus for Hasselblads for example.

Alternatively, you can search for an open source or other RAW converter. One free RAW editor is RAW Therapee - http://rawtherapee.com/ (Though I don't like the highlight results from it).

I am sure a google search for free RAW editors will offer many other alternatives.

Of course as you mention Adobe, ascending by cost: - Photoshop Elements - Lightroom - Photoshop CS

Originally by user7736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user7736

13y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. RAW files usually need software that understands your camera’s RAW format.

A good first option is the software that came with your camera. Many camera makers include their own RAW converter/editor—for example, Canon provides Digital Photo Professional, and other brands have their own tools.

If you want a free alternative, you can use a third-party RAW editor such as RawTherapee. There are also other free and open-source RAW converters available.

If you later want paid Adobe options, common choices include Photoshop Elements, Lightroom, and Photoshop.

So the simplest path is:

  1. Check your camera manufacturer’s included software.
  2. If you don’t have it, try a free RAW editor like RawTherapee.
  3. Export edited files to JPEG or TIFF for easy sharing and printing.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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