RAW
Image
Unprocessed camera sensor data
Advantages
- Maximum quality
- Full editing control
- No compression
Disadvantages
- Huge file size
- Requires special software
- Format varies
Best for
- Professional photography
- Maximum quality
- Post-processing
RAW vs JPG
Compare RAW and JPG formats to find the best option for your needs.
JPG
Image
JPEG - lossy compression image format
Advantages
- Small file size
- Universal support
- Good for photos
- Adjustable quality
Disadvantages
- Lossy compression
- No transparency
- Quality degrades with edits
Best for
- Photos
- Web images
- Social media
- Email attachments
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | RAW | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Image | Image |
| File size | Medium | Small |
| Compatibility | Good | Opens everywhere |
| Quality | Good | Good |
Questions and answers
What is the difference between RAW and JPG?
RAW: Unprocessed camera sensor data. JPG: JPEG - lossy compression image format.
Which format should I choose: RAW or JPG?
It depends on the job. RAW is the better pick for: Professional photography, Maximum quality, and Post-processing. JPG is the better pick for: Photos, Web images, and Social media.
Can I convert RAW to JPG?
Yes. Open the RAW to JPG converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is RAW better than JPG?
Not in general. RAW is stronger at: Professional photography, Maximum quality, and Post-processing. JPG is stronger at: Photos, Web images, and Social media.