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PEF PNG
File conversion

Convert PEF to PNG

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Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Sep 11, 2026
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Is it possible to convert PEF to PNG?
Yes - PEF converts to PNG.

You can do it right here with our free converter - no sign-up, and your file is deleted right after.

Open your .pef in darktable, RawTherapee, or XnView MP (all free) and export as PNG. The main caveat is size: a 16-bit PNG developed from a 24 MP Pentax raw can exceed 100 MB, so only choose PNG when you need a lossless result for further editing.

Also to PNG: QOI · APM · PBM

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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PEF → PNG converterFREE
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or pick one - we convert it to .PNG and give you the file to download

Why convert PEF to PNG?

PEF files are camera-raw files that cannot be used directly in browsers, design tools, or most image editors. Converting to .PNG produces a lossless, widely supported image that works everywhere without re-compression artifacts. It is particularly useful when you need a pixel-perfect developed image to continue editing in Photoshop or GIMP. For sharing or web use, JPG is usually the better choice because it produces far smaller files.

How to convert PEF to PNG

darktable OPEN-SOURCE

Import the .pef into the Lighttable, open it in Darkroom, then press Ctrl+E to export as PNG at 8- or 16-bit depth.

RawTherapee OPEN-SOURCE

Open your .pef folder in RawTherapee, set the output format to PNG in the Queue tab, and click Start processing.

XnView MP FREE

Use File > Save As for a single file, or Tools > Batch Convert to process a whole folder of .pef files to PNG at once.

Command line - ImageMagick CLI

Run magick input.pef output.png - ImageMagick reads PEF via its raw delegate and writes a standard PNG.

About these formats

.PEF Pentax Electronic File (Pentax digital camera raw image)

A PEF file is the raw image format produced by Pentax (Ricoh Imaging) DSLRs - the unprocessed sensor data before any color or sharpness adjustments are applied. On Windows, install the free…

Open .PEF details →
.PNG Portable Network Graphics

A PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless raster image format. Every modern OS, browser, and image app opens PNGs natively - just double-click. The most common questions are not about…

Open .PNG details →

Quality & what to watch

  • PNG from a developed raw is large - a 16-bit PNG from a 24 MP Pentax body can exceed 100 MB; use 8-bit if file size matters.
  • Exporting to PNG discards the 12- or 14-bit raw flexibility; always keep the original .pef as your master file.
  • EXIF metadata (camera model, exposure settings, and GPS on equipped bodies) transfers to the PNG - strip it before publishing if privacy is a concern.

Frequently asked questions

Is the PNG output actually lossless?
The PNG file itself is lossless, but developing the raw involves irreversible choices such as white balance and tone mapping. The PNG is lossless from that point forward, not a bit-for-bit copy of the raw sensor data.
Should I export at 8-bit or 16-bit PNG?
Use 8-bit for web sharing or general use - it is significantly smaller. Choose 16-bit only if you plan to continue editing the file in Photoshop or GIMP where shadow and highlight recovery matters.
Can I batch convert a folder of PEF files to PNG?
Yes - darktable and RawTherapee both handle batch export via their queue, and XnView MP has a dedicated Batch Convert dialog that processes entire folders at once.
Why is PEF to JPG more common than PEF to PNG?
JPG produces far smaller files and is universally accepted for photos. PNG is only preferable when you need a lossless intermediate for further editing.