Why convert RAW to PNG?
RAW files hold unprocessed sensor data and need to be developed before most software can use them; .PNG is a lossless format that works in virtually every image editor and browser. Designers and developers often need a PNG to pass a photo into pipelines that do not support proprietary RAW formats. Unlike JPEG, PNG adds no compression artifacts, so the processed image stays pixel-accurate.
How to convert RAW to PNG
darktable FREE
Import the RAW into the Darkroom module, then press Ctrl+E to export - set the format to PNG and choose 8-bit or 16-bit output.
RawTherapee OPEN-SOURCE
Open the file in the Editor, add it to the Queue, set output format to PNG, and click Start processing.
IrfanView + RAW plugin FREE
Install IrfanView with its Plugins pack, open the .raw file, then use File > Save As and choose PNG.
Command line - darktable-cli CLI
Run darktable-cli input.raw output.png to develop and export the file in one step.
Programs that convert RAW
About these formats
.RAW
Raw Camera Image
A .raw file is most often an unprocessed photo straight from a digital camera sensor - a "digital negative" used by Panasonic, Leica, Contax, Casio, and others. Open and develop it free…
Open .RAW 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 does not store EXIF metadata - camera data such as ISO, lens, and GPS is stripped on export; keep the original RAW as your master.
- Every tool automatically develops the raw sensor data before export, even if you make no manual adjustments.
- A 16-bit PNG from a 24 MP camera can exceed 100 MB; if file size matters, consider exporting to JPEG instead.
