What is the NRW file format?
.NRW files are generated by Nikon Coolpix compact cameras - the format was introduced in 2008 with the Coolpix P6000, Nikon's first compact to offer raw capture. Nikon's DSLRs and mirrorless cameras use the related .NEF format instead.
Files with the .nrw extension are used for storing RAW photo images: unprocessed sensor data captured before in-camera processing is applied. RAW provides higher-quality source material than JPEG, giving photographers maximum editing latitude.
.NRW files are typically 15-25 MB due to the amount of information the uncompressed RAW image stores. NRW files hold the full 12-bit-per-channel Bayer mosaic sensor data, so any adjustment made to the image can be freely revised without degrading the original. The files use a TIFF/EP container and also embed JPEG preview images and full EXIF metadata.
.NRW can be processed using various desktop tools - including Nikon's own NX Studio (released 2021, replacing the discontinued ViewNX and Capture NX-D), as well as Adobe Photoshop (via Camera Raw), darktable and RawTherapee. Explicit NRW support is required; the format cannot be read as generic TIFF.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWNRW is a passive binary image data file (sensor data + metadata); opening it in a raw developer is safe. EXIF/MakerNote metadata embedded in the file includes camera model, exposure, timestamps and potentially GPS coordinates - strip EXIF before publishing if privacy matters. Beware fake "NRW viewer/converter" download sites that bundle adware; use NX Studio, darktable, or the Microsoft Store Raw Image Extension instead.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open NRW files
Windows7 apps
darktable
Open-source Free Lightroom-style raw developer; import the NRW, edit non-destructively, export to JPG/TIFF. 
Nikon NX Studio
Free Official Nikon editor; open the NRW to develop it with model-accurate colour, adjust, then export to JPG/TIFF.
Raw Image Extension (Microsoft Store)
Free Install from Microsoft Store to show NRW thumbnails/previews in File Explorer and the Photos app.
IrfanView (+ RAW plugin)
Free Fast free viewer; with its RAW plugin pack installed, opens NRW and batch-converts to JPG. 
macOS3 apps
Nikon NX Studio
Free Free official Nikon editor for Mac; open the NRW and develop with accurate colour.
Apple Photos / Preview
Built-in macOS has native Nikon Coolpix raw support; double-click to preview in Preview or import into Photos. 
Linux2 apps
Technical details
deep spec| Container format | TIFF/EP (Tagged Image File Format / Electronic Photography) |
| File signature | 49 49 2A 00 at offset 0 - TIFF little-endian header |
| Byte order | Little-endian |
| Color depth | 12 bits per channel Bayer mosaic (36-bit RGB after demosaicing) |
| Compression | None - uncompressed raw sensor data; Nikon lossy compression not applied in NRW |
| Embedded metadata | Full EXIF, Nikon MakerNote tags, GPS (where available) |
| Embedded preview | One or more JPEG thumbnail/preview images in the IFD chain |
| Typical file size | 15-25 MB (Coolpix compact sensor) |
| Camera coverage | Nikon Coolpix compact series only (P6000, P7100, P7700, P7800 etc.); DSLRs and mirrorless use NEF |
| First camera | Coolpix P6000 (2008, 10 MP, 3648×2736 pixels) |
| Self-integrity | None - validity implied by TIFF/IFD pointer consistency |
| Associated OS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Released | 2008 (Nikon Coolpix P6000, first Coolpix to shoot raw) |
| Latest version | 12-bit uncompressed; format unchanged since introduction |
| Specification | libopenraw.freedesktop.org |
NRW conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about NRW files.
