Edit a Camera Raw file

Recover missing tonal detail

Before and after

It can be easy to over cook

(or over process) a Raw file’s colours and tones so that they look too garish. Tap here to see how the edited version compares to the unprocessed original Raw file.

Knowledge base Raw

The term ‘Camera Raw’ refers to an uncompressed file created in-camera. There’s no universal Camera Raw format. Different camera manufacturers use their own Raw format. Nikon Raw files have an .NEF suffix. Canon Raw files end in .CR2. Apple’s Photos app should be able to read Raw format files from most camera brands.

Delicate details

In the unprocessed version of our shot the over-exposed sky and sea appear as white. After processing the Raw format file in the Photos app we can see delicate sea spray and subtle cloud detail.

Selective adjustments

The Light panel has a range of selective tone-adjusting tools that enable you to lighten highlights without underexposing shadows. The Brilliance slider helps reveal delicate midtone details such as the sea spray.

Colour tweaks

When brightening underexposed shadows newly revealed areas can look a little drab. Boost saturation for a more vibrant-looking shot. You can also warm up a cold colour cast for healthierlooking skin tones.