How to Convert RAW To JPEG

Digital cameras offer RAW and JPEG formats. RAW gives better editing and quality, but files are large and need special software. JPEG files are small, easy to share, and work on most devices.

Converting RAW to JPEG lets you keep RAW’s editing benefits and gain smaller, easier files. This guide will show you, step by step, how to convert RAW images to JPEGs for easy sharing and use.

What is RAW?

RAW files capture all data from a camera’s sensor without processing or compression. Consequently, they are larger and more detailed. This gives photographers control over exposure, white balance, and contrast in post-processing.

RAW files offer more editing flexibility than JPEGs without quality loss. However, they require editing and conversion to JPEG for sharing or printing. This makes RAW perfect for professional photographers and those wanting detailed edits.

What is JPEG?

JPEG, short for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is a popular image format. It’s known for small file sizes and quick processing. Unlike RAW images, JPEGs are compressed. This slightly reduces quality but makes sharing and storage easier. The compression removes some details, making JPEGs ideal for everyday use, like online sharing or printing.

JPEG is perfect for those wanting high-quality images with minimal storage. It’s widely compatible, making it the top choice for casual photography, web use, and printing. However, its compression limits editing flexibility compared to RAW files. This is why photographers often convert RAW images to JPEG for convenience and better compatibility.

Why Convert RAW to JPEG?

RAW files offer high quality and editing flexibility but are large and less compatible. JPEG files are smaller and more accessible.

Here are the main reasons to convert RAW to JPEG:

1. Smaller File Size: JPEG files are smaller than RAW files because they are compressed. This makes them ideal for saving space or uploading images online.
2. Easier Sharing: JPEGs work on almost all devices and platforms, ideal for sharing photos and posting online.
3. Faster Processing: RAW files need more power and special software to open and edit. In contrast, JPEG files are ready to use. They open easily on any device, without extra software.
4. Simplified Workflow: After editing your RAW images, convert them to JPEG for easier sharing or printing. This step simplifies the process for photographers who don’t need to keep all the original data.
5. Printing and Web Use: JPEG is the most popular format for printing and web use. It balances image quality and file size well, making it ideal for both.

How to Convert RAW to JPEG: Methods

Convert RAW to JPEG in several ways using different tools. Here are the common methods:

1. Using Photo Editing Software

Photo editing software gives you the most control. It lets you adjust your image before exporting it to JPEG.

• Adobe Lightroom
  1. Import RAW images into Lightroom.
  2. Edit the image as desired (adjust exposure, white balance, etc.).
  3. Happy with the edits? Click File > Export.
  4. In export settings, select JPEG. Then adjust quality and resolution.
  5. Finally, click Export to save your image as a JPEG.
• Adobe Photoshop
  1. Open your RAW image in Photoshop using Camera Raw.
  2. Make any necessary adjustments to the image.
  3. Once you’re ready, go to File > Save As or Export.
  4. Choose JPEG as the file format and adjust the compression settings as needed.
  5. Save your image.

Other Software Options—Capture One and Affinity Photo also edit and convert RAW files, importing, adjusting, and exporting them as JPEG.

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2. Using Online Tools

If you don’t want to install software, online converters are a quick and easy option.

• Convertio or pics.io are popular online converters that let you upload RAW files and convert them to JPEG in just a few clicks.
  1. Visit the website of the online tool.
  2. Upload your RAW image file.
  3. Select JPEG as the output format.
  4. Download the converted JPEG file once the process is complete.

3. Using Camera Settings

Many digital cameras shoot in RAW and JPEG formats at once. This eliminates the need for later conversion.

• Shooting RAW + JPEG: Set your camera to save both JPEG and RAW formats. This way, you’ll have a JPEG ready to use right away and a RAW file for editing later on.
• In-Camera Conversion: Some cameras allow you to convert RAW files to JPEGs right away. Check your manual for step-by-step instructions.

4. Using Desktop Software for Batch Conversion

Converting multiple RAW images can be time-consuming, but batch conversion can help you save time.

• You can select multiple RAW files and convert them to JPEG in one step using IrfanView or XnConvert.
  1. Open the software and add your RAW files to the conversion queue.
  2. Choose JPEG as the output format.
  3. Set any quality or resolution preferences.
  4. Start the batch conversion and let the software handle the rest.

Best Settings for Converting RAW to JPEG

When turning RAW into JPEG, pick the right settings. This keeps image quality high and file size low. Here are the best settings to consider:

1. Image Quality Settings

• Compression Level: JPEG uses lossy compression to reduce file size by discarding data. Aim for a balance between file size and image quality.
  • High Quality: Use a quality setting of 80-100 to preserve detail. It will keep the file size small.
  • Medium Quality: You can drop the quality to around 60-80 for faster uploads and more storage space. This is often good enough for web use but may cause slight artifacts in highly detailed areas.
  • Low Quality: Avoid going lower than 60 unless you need very small file sizes and can afford to lose quality.

2. Resolution (Image Size)

• Print Resolution: For printing, set the resolution to 300 DPI or higher. This ensures high quality, especially for large prints.
• Web Resolution: For web and social media, 72 DPI suffices. Set the resolution to match the display, such as 1920 x 1080 for full HD screens.
• If you don’t need high-res images, try resizing them during conversion. This can reduce the file size.

3. Color Space

• sRGB: sRGB is the standard color space for web and digital use. It ensures consistent colors across devices and platforms.
• AdobeRGB: For professional printing or advanced editing, choose AdobeRGB. However, not all devices and websites support It.

4. Sharpness and Noise Reduction

• Sharpness: Converting to JPEG might reduce sharpness due to compression. So, apply mild sharpening to keep your image crisp and avoid artifacts.
• Noise Reduction: If your RAW image is noisy, especially in low light, use noise reduction. But, avoid overdoing it. Too much reduction can erase fine details.

5. White Balance and Exposure Adjustments

• White Balance: Set the white balance to avoid color casts in the JPEG. Adjust it manually if needed before conversion.
• Exposure: RAW files allow for significant exposure adjustments. Ensure your exposure settings are correct. This prevents detail loss in highlights or shadows when converting to JPEG.

6. File Naming and Metadata

• File Naming: Many photo editing tools allow you to apply naming presets. Choose a naming convention that helps you keep your files organized.
• Metadata: If you need to keep metadata like EXIF or IPTC, ensure it’s in the JPEG file. This is crucial for photographers to track settings, location, and copyright.

7. Batch Conversion Settings

When converting multiple images, use the same settings for all. This ensures consistent quality. Software like Lightroom lets you apply settings to several photos at once.

8. Preview and Adjust

Always check the image after applying these settings. This ensures it meets your expectations. Make final adjustments to avoid losing detail or over-compressing.

How to Batch Convert RAW to JPEG

Batch convert RAW to JPEG to save time with many images. Here are the best ways:

1. Using Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is one of the most popular tools for batch processing RAW files.

Steps:

1. Import Your RAW Files: Open Lightroom and import the RAW files you want to convert.
2. Select the Photos: In the Library module, select all the RAW images you want to batch convert.
3. Edit (Optional): To adjust the images (exposure, contrast, etc.), edit one, then sync the settings to apply the changes to all selected photos.
4. Export:
   • Click on File > Export.
   • In the Export dialog, choose JPEG as the file format.
   • Set your desired quality, resolution, and other export settings.
5. Start Batch Conversion: Click on Export, and Lightroom will process all selected images in one go, converting them to JPEG.

2. Using Adobe Photoshop (via Batch Automation)

Photoshop can also perform batch conversions using actions and scripts.

Steps:

1. Create an Action:
   • Open one RAW file in Photoshop.
   • In the Actions panel, create a new action to record your steps.
   • Open the image and save it as JPEG (File > Save As).
   • Stop recording the action.
2. Batch Process:
   • Go to File > Automate > Batch.
   • Choose the action you just created.
   • Select the folder containing your RAW files.
   • Choose a destination folder for the JPEGs.
   • Click OK, and Photoshop will apply the action to all the images in the folder.

3. Using Capture One

Capture One is another powerful RAW converter used by many professional photographers.

Steps:

1. Import RAW Files: Import your RAW images into Capture One.
2. Apply Edits (Optional): If you need to make adjustments, you can apply them to the first image, and then sync these adjustments across the rest.
3. Export:
   • Select all the images you want to convert.
   • Click File > Export > Variants.
   • Choose JPEG as the file format and set your preferred settings.
   • Click Export to batch convert the images.

4. Using IrfanView (Free Software)

IrfanView is a lightweight tool for image batch processing, but it requires the installation of additional plugins to support RAW files.

Steps:

1. Install IrfanView and Plugins: Download and install IrfanView along with the necessary plugins.
2. Batch Conversion:
   • Open IrfanView and go to File > Batch Conversion/Rename.
   • Choose the input folder where your RAW files are stored.
   • Set the output format to JPEG.
   • Adjust any additional settings like quality, resolution, and output folder.
3. Start the Process: Click Start, and IrfanView will convert all your RAW files to JPEG.

5. Using Online Tools

You can use online converters like Convertio or RAW.pics.io for smaller sets of images.

Steps:

1. Upload RAW Files: Go to the online tool and upload your RAW files.
2. Choose Output Format: Select JPEG as the desired output format.
3. Download the Converted Files: Once the conversion is complete, download the JPEG files in bulk.

Tips for Batch Conversion:

• Adjust Settings Before Batch: If you edit your photos before conversion, check all images. Make sure you like the adjustments before starting the batch process.
• Keep a Backup: Always keep a copy of your original RAW files. A batch conversion will overwrite the original images if you set it to do so.
• Check the Output Folder: After batch conversion, check the output folder. Ensure all images are processed as expected.

Tips for Maintaining Image Quality When Converting

When changing RAW to JPEG, keep the best quality and balanced file size. Here are tips to maintain quality during the switch:

1. Avoid Excessive Compression

JPEG files use lossy compression, which can degrade image quality by discarding some data. To maintain the best quality:

• Use a high-quality setting (typically 80-100 on a scale of 0-100) when saving as JPEG. This minimizes visible compression artifacts, such as blurring or pixelation.
• Avoid low-quality settings (below 60), as this can result in a noticeable loss of detail, especially in areas with fine textures.

2. Adjust Resolution for the Intended Use

• For Printing: Set the resolution to 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure the image is sharp and detailed.
• For Web Use, a resolution of 72 DPI is usually sufficient, and the image dimensions can be resized to match the platform’s requirements (e.g., 1920 x 1080 for full HD).
• Don’t Upscale: Avoid increasing the resolution above the original image size, as this can make the image appear blurry and pixelated.

3. Maintain High Dynamic Range (HDR)

RAW files allow you to recover details from highlights and shadows. When converting to JPEG:

• Ensure proper exposure adjustments to avoid clipping highlights or losing details in the shadows.
• Use tone mapping or soft clipping to maintain the dynamic range of the image, especially in scenes with high contrast.
• Adjust contrast and brightness before converting to ensure you don’t lose subtle tonal details.

4. Sharpen the Image Before Conversion

JPEG compression can soften the image. Apply mild sharpening to enhance details:

• Apply sharpening after resizing the image to avoid amplifying noise in larger images.
• Use a low to moderate sharpening level to maintain clarity without introducing unwanted halos or artifacts.

5. Optimize Color Settings

RAW files give you more flexibility with color adjustments, so take advantage of this before converting:

• Use sRGB for web use and JPEG sharing, as it ensures consistent color display across most devices.
• For printing, use a wider color space like AdobeRGB to preserve more color information. But remember, not all printers or devices support AdobeRGB, so be mindful of the intended output.

6. Noise Reduction

RAW images can sometimes have noise, especially when shot in low light. When converting to JPEG:

• Apply mild noise reduction to reduce graininess, but don’t overdo it, as this can cause a loss of fine detail.
• Use local noise reduction to target areas with noticeable noise while keeping the image’s sharpness intact.

7. Be Careful with Highlights and Shadows

• Preserve highlight details: Check your image for overexposed areas, especially in bright spots like the sky. Use the RAW file’s dynamic range to recover highlight details before converting.
• Avoid underexposing shadows: Similarly, make sure your shadows aren’t too dark, which can cause a loss of detail that can’t be recovered in the JPEG.

8. Use the Right Software for Conversion

Some photo editing software gives you better control over the conversion process:

• Lightroom and Photoshop offer high-quality conversion options and the ability to fine-tune settings.
• Capture One and Affinity Photo also provide powerful tools for maintaining image quality during conversion.
• Online converters are faster, but they may not provide the same level of control over the final result.

9. Test the Output

Before finalizing your images, always test the JPEG output:

• Zoom in to check for compression artifacts (e.g., blockiness, banding, or blurring).
• View the image on different screens to ensure the colors, sharpness, and exposure are consistent.

To Conclude

Turn RAW files into JPEGs to ease sharing and storage. Pick the right settings, adjust the resolution, and keep the dynamic range. Avoid excessive compression and adjust color, exposure, and sharpness carefully.

Converting RAW to JPEG combines the detail of RAW with the convenience of JPEG. By using the right methods, you can enjoy both formats and ensure your images look great everywhere.