3 Ways to View RAW Images and Thumbnails on Windows 10
Many digital camera users find that they cannot preview RAW image files on Windows computer, which makes it inconvenient to browse or edit RAW files. Saving captures in JPEG + RAW format is a workaround, but it will increase the burden of memory card space. What’s the perfect solution for viewing RAW images on Windows 10? In this tutorial, we are going to learn how to view RAW thumbnails with camera codecs and open RAW pictures with RAW viewer on Windows 10.
Tip: In case you lose precious RAW pictures by accident, try a photo recovery software to get them back as soon as possible.
Way 1. View RAW Files with Microsoft Camera Codec Pack on Windows 10
You may have found that Windows 10 allows users to preview thumbnails of some RAW images, like ARW, DNG and CR2, and open these RAW pictures with Photos app. As a matter of fact, Windows 10 is built-in with Microsoft camera codec pack, which automatically recognizes those device-specific file formats and allows users to preview RAW files in Windows Explorer without third-party apps.
With thumbnail preview, it would be super convenient to find or edit RAW image files with professional editing tools. Nevertheless, since Microsoft has stopped updating the codec pack, there are still plenty of RAW formats that Windows 10 doesn’t support, like NEF and ORF.
Tip: If you want to view RAW files on Windows 7 or Windows 8, please download Microsoft camera codec pack manually.
Way 2. View RAW Images on Windows 10 with Codec for Specific Camera
If Windows 10 doesn’t support the RAW image format of your camera, then it will only show the default image icons instead of thumbnails of your images. In this case, you need to install a specific codec for the RAW format or camera model, which will work like Microsoft camera codec pack and display thumbnails of the specific RAW file type.
Normally, you should be able to find the codec on manufacturer’s website, but there are also several useful third-party codec websites. Here we’re going to show how to install Nikon NEF codec to Windows 10 from such a codec site.
- Step 1. Visit http://www.free-codecs.com
- Step 2. Input “NEF codec” in the top-right search box and hit Enter.
- Step 3. From the results, click link: NEF Codec 1.31 Free Download.
- Step 4. View the information page, then click Download button on the right section and another download button on the new page.
- Step 5. Click the downloaded .exe file to start installing camera codec with setup wizard.
- Step 6. You may need to reboot your computer to make the codec work.
Now, your Windows 10 computer should show thumbnails of NEF images. In the meantime, you should be able to open NEF photos with Photos app. Just search for more codecs if you have another kind of RAW pictures that Windows 10 doesn’t support. Camera model info might help you find codec quickly. Please include it into searching keywords.
Way 3. Open RAW Photos with RAW Image Viewer on Windows 10
If installing various of codecs hassles you, you can use RAW image viewer which usually support most RAW formats. For example, ACDSee is one of the most famous RAW image viewer software.
Premium RAW image viewers may charge you for using advanced functions, but usually less expensive than Lightroom. Another drawback is that there is no thumbnail of the device-specific RAW images in Windows Explorer, which means quick preview is not available. Instead, users need to open the RAW viewer to check all RAW images in the same folder and manage them as you like. Overall, it is still a great choice if you don’t need another professional editor program.
Pros:
- Support a wide range of RAW formats as well as common images with one tool
- Provide advanced editing functions and management options
Cons:
- No thumbnail display in Windows Explorer
- May need payment
If you’re stick with the digital camera of one brand, it is a good choice to use the official image viewer and editor from the manufacturer, which usually supports RAW viewing, editing and even conversion to other formats.
Final Words
There are many more ways to view and open RAW images, but the above three methods should work in most cases in a Windows 10 computer. If you have more and better choices, don’t hesitate to share them with us in the comment so that more people will benefit from it.
Read Understanding RAW Formats guide.
With the Raw Image Extension, photographers can now preview their raw files directly within Windows File Explorer, thanks to its native viewing and thumbnail support.
This feature eliminates the need for third-party applications or time-consuming file conversions, allowing for efficient management and quick identification of raw image files.
Beyond just viewing, the Raw Image Extension enhances the editing capabilities for raw images. It seamlessly integrates with the built-in Microsoft Photos app in Windows 10/11, enabling users to perform basic adjustments like exposure, white balance, contrast, and saturation without leaving their familiar editing environment.
This integration significantly improves workflow efficiency and eliminates the need for additional software for simple edits.
Preserving metadata is crucial for maintaining a complete record of the photographic process.
The Raw Image Extension ensures that essential metadata, including camera settings, exposure details, and lens information, are preserved when viewing or editing raw files. This ensures the integrity and accuracy of the original image data.
The Raw Image Extension boasts broad compatibility with popular raw formats used by major camera manufacturers, such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm.
This extensive support allows photographers to seamlessly work with their raw files, regardless of the camera model they use. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, the Raw Image Extension empowers you to unleash the full potential of your raw image files within the Windows ecosystem.
Check also RAW Video Splitter, developed by the MPC-BE team.
Raw Image Extension Software
Overview
The Raw Image Extension software is a powerful set of tools for working with raw images. This software provides a complete workflow for managing, editing and processing raw images from any camera. It includes features for color correction, exposure adjustment, sharpening, cropping, noise reduction and more. The software also includes batch processing for quickly editing multiple images at once. With the Raw Image Extension software, users can easily create stunning images with ease.
Raw image extensions allow photographers to capture images with more precise levels of detail, color and light.
Features:
The Raw Image Extension software provides a comprehensive set of tools for working with raw images. It includes the following features:
• Support for all major camera formats, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus and more
• Comprehensive raw image editing tools, including exposure adjustment, color correction, sharpening and more
• Batch processing for quickly editing multiple images at once
• Noise reduction tools to reduce grain in images
• Image cropping tools to crop images to any size or aspect ratio
• Support for exporting images to popular file formats, such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG and more
• Image editing presets to quickly apply different effects to images
• Support for layer-based editing for adding effects and adjusting image elements
• Support for printing images directly from the software
• Support for sharing images on social media and other platforms
• Support for importing and exporting images from popular image libraries
• An intuitive and easy-to-use user interface
Conclusion
The Raw Image Extension software is a comprehensive set of tools for managing, editing and processing raw images from any camera. It includes features for exposure adjustment, color correction, sharpening, noise reduction, cropping, layer-based editing and more. With the Raw Image Extension software, users can easily create stunning images with ease.
The technical requirements for raw image extension software will vary depending on the software and the specific features it provides. Generally, the software should be compatible with most popular image file formats, such as JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. It should also offer a variety of editing tools, such as cropping, resizing, color correction, sharpening, and more. Additionally, the software should have an intuitive user interface and support batch processes for editing multiple files at once. Finally, the software should provide integration with popular photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, for further editing and customization.
Supports a wide range of raw image formats.
Preserves image quality during editing.
Easy to install and use.
Lacks user-friendly interface for beginners.
Limited image manipulation capabilities.
No built-in noise reduction feature.
👨💻️ USER REVIEWS AND COMMENTS 💬
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Robert H.
Raw Image Extension is a great software for anyone who needs to quickly and easily edit raw images. It provides a wide range of editing tools, from basic tweaks to more advanced features. The interface is intuitive and easy to use. It also provides a variety of helpful features like support for multiple file formats and batch image processing. I found the color correction and white balance tools to be very effective and easy to use. The software also provides a wide range of export options, from various sizes and quality levels to various file formats. Overall, I’m quite pleased with the performance of Raw Image Extension.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Evan X.
The Raw Image Extension software was quite straigtforward to use, althoght it took some time to figure out how to use all the features.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Max S********s
This software is a free extension for Windows 10 that allows users to view and edit raw image files directly in the Photos app. The software supports various raw image formats from popular camera manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony. The extension also provides advanced editing capabilities, such as adjusting exposure, white balance, and color tone. Additionally, the software enables users to convert raw files to JPEG or PNG formats for easy sharing and printing.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Cooper U*******b
The Raw Image Extension software allows users to view and edit raw image files in Windows 10.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Lucas
The Raw Image Extension is a software application designed to enhance photo editing capabilities. It facilitates the integration of camera raw formats with the built-in windows photos app, enabling users to manipulate images at their highest quality. Being able to engage with raw photographs directly on your platform is its most vital feature.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Finn
Allows for seamless handling and editing of RAW images directly in the Windows operating system.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Isaac
Easy to install, enhances photo editing capabilities.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Owen
Easy to use, helpful tool.
It is a robust set of tools that allows you to work with raw images. It offers a complete process for managing, editing, and processing raw images from any camera. 📷 It has features for color correction, exposure adjustment, sharpening, cropping, noise reduction, and many more. It also includes batch processing to quickly edit multiple images at once. Moreover, it supports all major camera formats, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, and more. Users can easily create stunning images.
It helps me view my fancy photos in a PC 😄
Смартфоны и профессиональные зеркальные фотокамеры для удобства сохраняют изображения в виде файлов JPEG, но устройства по-прежнему позволяют пользователям сохранять изображения в формате RAW. В отличие от изображений JPEG или PNG, файлы изображений RAW содержат минимально обработанные данные, полученные датчиком изображения вашего устройства.
RAW сам по себе является форматом, хотя файлы RAW не всегда имеют это расширение. Некоторые будут использовать DNG, другие будут NEF, ORF и т. Д. Формат часто зависит от того, какая камера использовалась для съемки фотографии, но RAW — это общее название, данное этим несжатым фотографиям. По умолчанию Windows 10 может генерировать предварительный просмотр миниатюр для большого количества форматов файлов, но многие форматы RAW не включены в этот список.
Недавно Microsoft опубликовала «Raw Image Extension» в Магазине Windows и добавила встроенную поддержку просмотра изображений в формате RAW.
После установки Raw Image Extension вы сможете просматривать миниатюры (предварительный просмотр) необработанных фотографий прямо в проводнике, как и другие изображения. Кроме того, вы также сможете открывать необработанные изображения с помощью приложения «Фотографии» после установки расширения Raw Image Extension на вашем устройстве. В текущей версии расширения добавлена поддержка большинства популярных форматов изображений Raw.
Хоть, Проводник Windows 10 или приложение «Фотографии» могут получать доступ к миниатюрам и информации о формате файлов изображений RAW, некоторые форматы не поддерживаются платформой.
В Windows 7 или более ранней версии вам необходимо было загрузить пакет кодеков камеры, чтобы просматривать эскизы файлов изображений RAW и информацию об изображениях в проводнике. Кодек предварительно установлен на устройствах с Windows 10, но его недостаточно для доступа ко всем форматам изображений RAW.
«Установив пакет, вы сможете просматривать эскизы и метаданные поддерживаемых форматов необработанных файлов прямо в проводнике Windows 10 или просматривать изображения в приложении «Фотографии», — объясняет Microsoft.
Компания утверждает, что расширение должно также иметь возможность декодировать и извлекать метаданные EXIF из форматов файлов изображений Raw. Стоит отметить, что некоторые форматы Raw, такие как CR3 и GPR, в настоящее время не поддерживаются. К сожалению, некоторые образы Adobe DNG также могут не запускаться.
Поддержка большего количества устройств и форматов Raw будет добавлена в Windows 10 в следующем выпуске. На данный момент Microsoft не подтвердила, когда компания планирует добавить поддержку дополнительных форматов, но это произойдет в ближайшее время.
Выполните приведенные ниже инструкции, чтобы установить расширение «Raw Image Extension» для поддержки формата Raw в Windows 10.
ВАЖНО: Как упоминалось ранее, вы должны использовать версию 1903 или более позднюю версию Windows 10, чтобы установить Raw Image Extension. Расширение не поддерживает более ранние версии Windows 10.
Шаг 1: Перейдите по ссылке, чтобы открыть страницу «Raw Image Extension» в приложении «Магазин».
Шаг 2: Нажмите кнопку «Получить», чтобы установить расширение. Это оно!
Откройте новое окно проводника и перейдите в папку с изображениями RAW. На этот раз общий эскиз изображения должен быть заменен соответствующей миниатюрой файла изображения.
Предварительный просмотр миниатюр для изображений RAW в Windows 10
Теперь вы сможете просматривать миниатюры и превью изображений Raw в проводнике, а также открывать их (в полном разрешении). Кроме того, все приложения Windows, которые используют платформу компонентов Windows Image для декодирования необработанных изображений, будут поддерживать его после установки расширения.
Если вы не можете просматривать миниатюры изображений в Проводнике даже после установки расширения, перезапустите Проводник один раз или перезагрузите компьютер. Если проблема не устранена, обратитесь к нашей статье: (5 Способов) включить \ отключить предварительный просмотр миниатюр в Проводнике Windows 10.
Это расширение должно также добавить возможность чтения метаданных, записанных в файл RAW, хотя некоторые из них могут быть все еще недоступными.
«Raw Image Extension» является расширением Проводника, поэтому, если вам нужно удалить его, вы можете сделать это из приложения «Параметры». Расширение вряд ли замедлит работу вашей системы, хотя в некоторых случаях предварительный просмотр может занять некоторое время, если вы копируете / перемещаете много файлов. Помните, что файлы RAW большие.
Если после установки этого расширения вы все еще не можете получить миниатюры для изображений RAW в Windows 10, возможно, ваш тип файла слишком нишевый. В этом случае вам следует искать файловые менеджеры или фото-менеджеры, которые, возможно, выпущены производителем вашей камеры, и использовать их для просмотра ваших фотографий. Не меняйте расширение ваших файлов на RAW или что-либо еще. Это может повредить его.
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- How To Open RAW Image On Windows 10 With New Plugin
By Sarah |
Last Updated
The Windows systems don’t give support for RAW file format by default, so you need a tool if you want to open/view RAW image on your PC. In the following content, I’ll show you the exact steps to open a RAW image. I advise you to go to the home page for getting the data recovery software and backup software to enhance data security.
What Is RAW Image
To be specific, the RAW image refers to a type of uncompressed image file format (like the digital negative). RAW files are actually comparable to the negatives, which are the images captured by photographers with film cameras but they can’t be used directly.
The RAW file is not processed, so it can’t be printed or edited with a bitmap graphics editor. Therefore, you need to process the RAW image into a viewable format so as to see it on your laptop or desktop. The question is how to open RAW image.
Raw Image Extension
Fortunately, Microsoft released a free codec pack to help view RAW files in Windows 7/8. What’s more, there’s a built-in support for the codecs in Camera Codec Pack in Windows 10; it allows you to view RAW image without installing a codec manually.
However, you may find some proprietary camera formats are not supported. That’s why you need the new Raw Image Extension, which is available in Microsoft Store now as a RAW file viewer to give support to RAW format on Windows 10.
With the help of Raw Image Extension, you are able to view native images captured in RAW file formats by the digital cameras (mid to high end). Common RAW formats: CRW, CR2, RAF, SRF, RW2, and so on.
Lost Pictures On Canon Digital Camera, How To Get Them Back?
How to Open RAW Image Windows
How to Download Raw Image Extension
- Go to the official website of Microsoft Store.
- Click on the search icon at the top-right corner.
- Type Raw Image Extension into the search box and press Enter.
- Select the app from the search result.
- Click on the Get button.
- Click Open Microsoft Store.
- Click Get again in the Store and hit Install.
- Wait for the downloading to finish.
Attention please: you can only install the viewer on Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version number 1903) or later versions.
How to Open RAW Files on Windows
After downloading Raw Image Extension, you should install this RAW photo viewer properly. Then, you should set Photos to open RAW images by default. In this way, you can view the thumbnails and previews of RAW files directly in the File Explorer.
Please note that if you find the Windows Explorer has stopped working or not responding, you should fix it immediately by reading this:
How to open RAW files:
- Open the Windows 10 start menu.
- Click on the Settings icon (look like a gear).
- Select Apps (Uninstall, defaults, optional features) from the Settings window.
- Choose Default apps from the left-side pane.
- Scroll down to click Choose default apps by file type link option on the right side.
- Wait a moment for the file types list to show since it’s very long (they will be arranged according to alphabet order).
- Find the certain file format.
- Click on the app icon next to it.
- Choose the Windows Photos app as the default program.
- Restart File Explorer or reboot your PC to make changes take effect.
You can also change the default program by following steps:
- Right click on the certain file in Windows Explorer.
- Select Open with from the context menu.
- Select Choose another app from the submenu.
- Select the app you want to use to open RAW image.
- Check Always use this app to open * files (* stands for the file type).
- Click OK to confirm.
There’s also another choice to view RAW image on your Windows system: download and install a third-party application like Photoshop.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Sarah has been working as an editor at MiniTool since she graduated from university. Sarah aims at helping users with their computer problems such as disk errors and data loss. She feels a sense of accomplishment to see that users get their issues fixed relying on her articles. Besides, she likes to make friends and listen to music after work.