What Is a RAW Image File?

A RAW file is the unprocessed data straight from a camera's sensor — a "digital negative." Unlike a JPEG, the camera hasn't baked in white balance, contrast or sharpening yet.

Why photographers love it

• Maximum editing latitude — recover blown highlights and shadow detail.
• No compression loss at capture.

Why it's not web-ready

• Huge files (often 20–50 MB).
• No universal support — browsers and most apps can't open RAW (every camera brand has its own: CR3, NEF, ARW…).

The workflow

Edit the RAW in a photo editor, then export a web copy: convert to JPG (or WebP) and compress it. Keep the RAW as your archive, like a TIFF master.