What is the SRW file format?
Every camera captures some sort of RAW image, and Samsung cameras are no different. RAW images differ from standard JPEG photos in that they store considerably more information directly from the sensor - including exposure settings, white balance, and full 12-bit color data - giving photographers far greater control during post-processing.
The .srw format is specifically used by Samsung digital cameras, in particular the NX-series mirrorless line (NX10 through NX1) produced from around 2009 to 2015. Internally, .srw files are built on the TIFF container with Samsung-proprietary extensions; they carry 12-bit packed Bayer-pattern sensor data, an embedded full-resolution JPEG preview, and EXIF metadata including Samsung MakerNote camera settings. Despite sharing TIFF magic bytes, .srw files are not interchangeable with standard .tif files.
RAW images need editing before they are ready for publication - white balance must be set, colors interpreted, and the raw sensor data rendered into a final image. Samsung exited the dedicated camera market in 2016 (NX brand discontinued), and Samsung RAW Converter is no longer available from official channels. RAW images can be opened and processed using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic, RawTherapee, or darktable.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWCamera RAW image file; cannot execute code. Embedded JPEG preview is safe. No known malware vector for SRW files. Standard image file precautions apply.
Format details
in a nutshell- Sybase PowerBuilder Window File - SRW extension also used by Sybase PowerBuilder for window object files (.srw); unrelated to images - legacy IDE development format.
Programs that open SRW files
Windows5 apps
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Paid Open via Camera Raw - supports Samsung SRW through Adobe Camera Raw engine. 
RawTherapee
Open-source Open SRW directly; full non-destructive RAW processing. Free alternative to Lightroom. 
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic
Paid Import SRW directly via Library module; develop in Develop module. Camera RAW support built in.
ACDSee Photo Studio
Paid Open SRW directly in browser or editor; supports RAW development and export. 
macOS3 apps
Linux2 apps
Technical details
deep spec| Format type | TIFF-based camera RAW image |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Little-endian (TIFF LE; II* signature at offset 0) |
| Container | TIFF with Samsung-proprietary IFD extensions |
| Magic bytes | 49 49 2A 00 ("II*" - standard TIFF little-endian header at offset 0) |
| Compression | Uncompressed 12-bit packed raw sensor data (no lossy compression on raw channel) |
| Color depth | 12-bit per channel (raw Bayer data); embedded JPEG preview is 8-bit |
| Sensor pattern | Bayer-pattern color filter array |
| Embedded preview | Full-resolution JPEG embedded alongside raw sensor data |
| Metadata | EXIF with Samsung MakerNote (proprietary camera settings) |
| Typical file size | 20 MB - 35 MB (NX500 ≈ 22 MB, NX1 ≈ 32 MB) |
| Pixel dimensions | Up to 6480×4320 (28 MP Samsung NX1); sensor-dependent |
| Camera series | Samsung NX-series mirrorless cameras (NX10 through NX1, 2009-2015) |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Released | c. 2009 (Samsung NX-series mirrorless cameras) |
| Latest version | Last SRW cameras: Samsung NX1 (2014). Samsung exited the dedicated camera market in 2016. |
SRW conversions
Community Q&A
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