Your Complete Guide to RAW Image Files
You've just received a delivery from your unit photographer—thousands of files with cryptic extensions like .CR2, .NEF, .ARW, maybe some .DNG files, and mysterious .xmp files alongside them. You're expected to organize them, show them to talent for approval, and eventually deliver them to distributors. But what exactly are you working with?
This guide will help you understand RAW image files, why photographers deliver them, what the different formats mean, and how to handle them properly, so you can manage your unit photography with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
What are RAW Files?
RAW files are the "digital negatives" captured by professional cameras. Unlike JPGs, which are processed and compressed by the camera, RAW files contain all the unprocessed data straight from the camera's sensor, giving photographers maximum flexibility for editing and color correction.
Professional unit photographers deliver RAW files because they contain the highest quality image data, preserve all the detail captured on set, and allow for precise color grading that matches your production's look.
Key Fact: Why It's More Accurately a Data File
A RAW file stores unprocessed sensor data, not a finished picture. There is no baked-in look (no white balance, contrast, sharpening, etc.). What you see on screen is a rendered interpretation, not the file itself.
RAW files can look different when viewied in different software (Capture One, Lightroom, Bridge) because they process the data differently. Edits are instructions layered on top (XMP, sidecars, databases) to tell the software how to show the image, not changes to the core data.
This is the key distinction: An image file is the picture. A RAW file describes how a picture could be made.
RAW vs JPG: What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between RAW and JPG files is essential for managing professional photography.
RAW Files
- Unprocessed sensor data
Contains all information captured by the camera - Larger file sizes
Typically 25-50MB per image - Maximum editing flexibility
Can adjust exposure, white balance, and color extensively without quality loss - Requires processing software
Cannot be viewed in basic image viewers - Professional standard
Required for high-end production photography
JPG Files
- Processed and compressed
Camera or software applies processing and compression at point of creation - Smaller file sizes
Typically 10-25MB per image at full resolution and quality (less and you're likely looking at a low resolution/highly compressed version). - Limited editing flexibility
Heavy editing causes quality degradation - Universal compatibility
Opens anywhere, easy to share and view - Final delivery format
Often used for web, publicity, and general distribution
Why Unit Photographers Deliver RAW
Professional unit photographers deliver RAW files because distributors and archives require maximum quality and flexibility. If you only receive JPGs, you've lost the ability to properly color-correct images, adjust exposure, or meet technical delivery specifications that many distributors require.
Common RAW File Formats
Different camera manufacturers use different RAW formats. Here's what you need to know about the formats you'll encounter.
| File Extension | Camera Brand | Full Name | Requires Sidecar File? |
|---|---|---|---|
| .CR2 / .CR3 | Canon | Canon Raw 2/3 | Yes (.xmp) |
| .NEF | Nikon | Nikon Electronic Format | Yes (.xmp) |
| .ARW | Sony | Sony Alpha Raw | Yes (.xmp) |
| .RAF | Fujifilm | Fuji Raw Format | Yes (.xmp) |
| .DNG / .RWL | Leica | Leica RAW formats | Optional (can embed) |
| .DNG | Universal (Adobe) | Digital Negative | Optional (can embed) |
| .TIF / .TIFF | Universal | Tagged Image File Format | Optional (can embed) |
Working with multiple RAW formats from different cameras?
We handle Canon, Nikon, Sony, DNG, and all major formats in one streamlined workflow. Learn about our technical services
Sidecar Files vs Embedded Edits: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most important concepts for managing unit photography properly. Understanding how editing data is stored will save you from losing hours of professional editing work.
Sidecar Files (XMP & Capture One Settings)
Most proprietary RAW formats (.CR2, .NEF, .ARW, etc.) cannot store editing information inside the RAW file itself. Instead, photo editing software creates a separate "sidecar" file that contains all the editing instructions:
Critical Rule: How Sidecar Files Must Be Stored
XMP Files (Adobe Ecosystem)
XMP sidecar files must have exactly the same filename as their corresponding RAW file and be stored in the same directory. The relationship is based solely on matching filenames.
Correct structure:
📁 Shoot_Day_01/
📷 IMG_4523.NEF
📄 IMG_4523.xmp
📷 IMG_4524.NEF
📄 IMG_4524.xmp
Critical: If you move, rename, or organize IMG_4523.NEF, you MUST also move, rename, or organize IMG_4523.xmp in exactly the same way. Separate them and the editing information is permanently lost.
Capture One Settings Files
Capture One uses a completely different system. Settings files (.cos) or session folders must be stored in a specific "CaptureOne" subfolder within the same parent directory as your RAW images. Capture One automatically creates and manages this structure.
Correct structure:
📁 Shoot_Day_01/
📁 CaptureOne/ ← Must stay here
📁 Settings80/
📄 IMG_4523_settings.cos
📄 IMG_4524_settings.cos
📷 IMG_4523.NEF
📷 IMG_4524.NEF
Critical: If you move the RAW files to a new location, the entire CaptureOne folder must move with them, maintaining the same folder relationship. Do not move the CaptureOne folder out of the parent directory or Capture One will lose track of all edits.
Embedded Edits (DNG, TIFF, PSD)
Some formats can store editing data directly inside the file itself, making them self-contained and easier to manage:
DNG (Digital Negative)
DNG files can embed editing data and XMP metadata directly inside the file, making them easier to manage: you can see the image with any added edits without the need of annoying sidecar files.
Many photographers convert their RAW files to DNG for this reason as it prevents non-technical clients from accidentally deleting the editing data or metadata.
If the DNG is exported correctly, you can also access the original RAW data beneath the editing data, making it a great option for non-destructive editing and client delivery.
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
TIFF files can also embed editing data, making them self-contained. However, if any editing has been done to the image, you may not be able to access the original RAW data.
In addition to this, the file sizes are extremely large, often upwards of 100MB per image, making DNG's a better option when dealing with high volumes of RAW images that are display-ready.
PSD (Photoshop Document)
Adobe Photoshop's native format can also store RAW image data along with layers and edits so long has they have not been 'flattened'. Like TIFFs, PSD files can embed metadata and editing information, but they're larger and less universally compatible.
They are typically considered more as a production file for works in progress or where the recipient needs to see, remove or adjust layered edits so are not typically used for client delivery.
XMP Files vs Capture One Settings: Compatibility Differences
XMP Files (Adobe Ecosystem)
More universally compatible. Can be read by Adobe Lightroom, Camera Raw, Bridge, and many third-party applications. XMP is an open standard, making it more accessible across different software platforms.
Pros: Broad software compatibility, industry standard, easy to share
Cons: Adobe's color processing may differ from other software
Capture One Settings (.cos, .EIP, Catalog Databases)
Proprietary format that only Capture One can read. If your photographer uses Capture One, these settings files won't display in Adobe software or most other applications. You need Capture One to see the photographer's edits.
Pros: Superior color science and processing quality preferred by many professionals
Cons: Proprietary, requires Capture One license to view, limited compatibility
What This Means for Your Workflow:
XMP files offer broader compatibility—more people can see the edits without specialized software. Capture One settings offer potentially superior processing but require everyone in your workflow to have Capture One. Always clarify with your photographer which system they use and ensure you receive the appropriate settings files along with the RAW images. Learn more about XMP files and Capture One settings.
Feeling Overwhelmed by File Management Complexity?
XMP sidecars, Capture One settings files, maintaining file relationships, ensuring compatibility across software—it's a lot to manage on top of running a production. We handle all of this technical complexity for you as standard.
See how we simplify your workflow →How to View RAW Files and Their Edits
Where you view RAW files matters enormously. The same RAW file will look completely different depending on the software viewing it—or you might not see the photographer's edits at all.
Software That Shows RAW Edits Properly
Adobe Lightroom
Reads XMP files automatically and displays edits. Industry standard for managing RAW photos.
Adobe Bridge
Shows RAW files with XMP edits applied as thumbnails and previews. Great for browsing and organizing.
Adobe Camera Raw
The RAW processing engine built into Photoshop. Opens RAW files with edits intact.
Capture One
Shows edits made in Capture One, but won't show Adobe XMP edits (and vice versa).
Where You WON'T See Edits
Windows File Explorer / Mac Finder
Shows only basic embedded previews from the camera (if any). You'll see the original, unedited image.
Basic Image Viewers
Most built-in image viewers (Windows Photos, Mac Preview) either can't open RAW files at all, or show only the camera's embedded JPG preview without edits.
Email / Cloud Storage Previews
These generate thumbnails from the RAW file's embedded preview, not the edited version.
Incompatible Software
Opening Capture One-edited files in Lightroom (or vice versa) shows the unedited version because the software can't read the other's editing format.
The File Explorer Problem
This catches people out constantly: You receive edited RAW files from your photographer. You open the folder in Windows Explorer or Mac Finder to check them. They look terrible—flat, wrong colors, underexposed. You panic and contact the photographer.
What's actually happening: File Explorer cannot read XMP files. It's showing you the original, unedited RAW file or the camera's basic JPG preview. The editing data is right there in the .xmp files—you're just viewing them with software that can't read those instructions.
Solution: Always view RAW files in Adobe Bridge, Lightroom, or similar professional software that can read and apply XMP editing data.
Destructive vs Non-Destructive Editing
Understanding this concept is crucial for managing professional photography and knowing what can be changed or reverted.
Non-Destructive Editing
How it works:
Edits are stored as instructions in sidecar files (XMP, .cos) or embedded metadata. The original RAW data remains completely untouched.
Benefits:
- You can always revert to the original RAW image
- You can change or undo any edit at any time
- Multiple edited versions can exist from one RAW file
- Professional workflows preserve maximum flexibility
Examples:
Editing RAW files in Lightroom, Camera Raw, or Capture One
Destructive Editing
How it works:
Edits permanently modify the actual pixel data in the file. Once saved, the original data is overwritten and cannot be recovered.
Consequences:
- Original image data is permanently lost
- Cannot revert to the original or undo edits
- Repeated editing degrades quality
- No flexibility for future adjustments
Examples:
Editing JPG files in Photoshop and saving over the original, flattening TIFF files
The DNG and TIFF Question
DNG Files
When a photographer converts a proprietary RAW file (like .NEF or .CR2) to DNG, the original RAW sensor data is typically preserved inside the DNG file. You can open it in Camera Raw or Lightroom and access the full RAW editing capabilities, including reverting to the completely unprocessed original. This is non-destructive.
TIFF Files
This depends on how the TIFF was created:
- If exported from Lightroom or Camera Raw as a TIFF with RAW data embedded, you can reopen it in Camera Raw and access RAW editing controls
- If exported as a standard rendered TIFF (most common), it's a processed image with no RAW data—you cannot revert to the original sensor data
- TIFFs can contain XMP metadata with editing history, but this doesn't necessarily mean you can access RAW data
Practical Reality
Most TIFFs you receive will be rendered images without RAW data. If you need full RAW editing flexibility, request DNG files or the original proprietary RAW files with their XMP sidecars.
Did you know? We don't just manage your files—we can also edit your images for you. From color correction and exposure adjustments to full retouching services, our team ensures every image is camera-ready and distributor-approved. Explore our editing services
Common Challenges When Managing RAW Files
Based on our experience with over 120 film and television productions, these are the most frequent RAW file management problems we encounter:
"The Files Look Terrible"
You open RAW files in File Explorer or a basic viewer and they look flat, wrong colors, or underexposed.
Reality: You're viewing the unprocessed RAW data or camera preview. The edits are in the XMP files—you need proper software to see them. Always view RAW files in Adobe Bridge, Lightroom, or equivalent professional software.
XMP Files Get Separated or Deleted
Well-meaning team members "clean up" folders by deleting "weird technical files" or reorganize photos without moving the corresponding .xmp files.
Result: Thousands of pounds worth of professional editing work is lost instantly. Images revert to their raw, unedited state.
Can't Open the Files At All
You double-click a .CR2 or .NEF file and your computer says it doesn't know what to do with it.
Reality: RAW files require specialized software. Install Adobe Bridge (free with Creative Cloud) or Lightroom to view and manage them properly.
Inconsistent Appearance Across Platforms
Images look great in Lightroom but wrong in Photoshop, or different team members see different versions.
Cause: Different software handles RAW files differently, or XMP files aren't being recognized. Always ensure XMP files are present and software is configured to read them.
File Renaming Breaks Everything
You rename IMG_5432.NEF to "ActorName_Scene12.NEF" but forget to rename IMG_5432.xmp. Now the software can't find the editing data and the image looks unedited.
Solution: Always rename files using Adobe Bridge or Lightroom, which automatically keeps RAW files and XMP files synchronized.
Distributor Delivery Confusion
Your distributor requests "high-resolution RAW files" and you're not sure what to send. The .NEF files? The XMP files? Both? DNGs? TIFFs? JPGs?
Reality: Delivery specs vary by distributor. Many want DNG files or high-res TIFFs. This is exactly where professional file management services (like ours) become invaluable.
The #1 RAW File Mismanagement Issue: Working Only with JPG Selects
The Problem
RAW files are intimidating: they're large, require specialized software, and feel unwieldy for non-technical teams to manage. So what happens? Teams default to working exclusively with the photographer's JPG selects, thinking it's the simpler, more practical approach.
Why This Is Costly
💰 Wasted Budget
By limiting yourself to the photographer's selects, you're leaving thousands of pounds worth of professional photography unused. Productions waste significant budget on images that never see the light of day simply because the team handling them aren't technical.
📉 Limited Marketing Latitude
A reduced image set means less creative flexibility for your campaigns. When you only work from a handful of JPG selects, you're restricting what's available for posters, social media, press kits, and distributor materials.
⚠️ The Resolution Nightmare
Non-technical teams rename files, organize folders, run approval workflows, and do extensive work on several hundred JPGs, only to discover later that these JPGs are too low resolution for distributor delivery. Now they need to track down the corresponding RAW files. But the RAW files still have the original camera names (IMG_4523.NEF), while the JPGs have been renamed to "ActorName_BTS_Scene03.jpg". Finding the matches becomes nearly impossible without hours of manual searching that you're probably getting billed for.
🔄 Duplicated Effort
Any metadata work, renaming, keywording, or organizational structure you've applied to low-resolution JPGs now needs to be manually replicated on the high-resolution JPGs and then again on the RAW files. It's the same work done three times.
The Solution: Work from RAW Files Downward
When you do all your groundwork on the RAW file formats - renaming, organizing, keywording, approvals - you can then export every file format you need from that master file: high-resolution JPGs, web-optimized JPGs, specific distributor formats, social media sizes, everything.
This massively reduces duplicated work, keeps everything organized with consistent naming, and ensures you have access to the full image set you've paid for. This is the #1 reason it's critical to work from RAW files downward, and why we include RAW file management as a standard part of our talent approvals and stills delivery workflows.
Best Practices for Managing RAW Files
If you're managing unit photography internally, follow these professional practices to avoid common pitfalls:
1. Use Professional Photo Management Software
Always work with RAW files using Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Bridge, or Capture One. Never rely on File Explorer, Finder, or basic image viewers for managing professional photography. These professional tools automatically handle XMP files, maintain file relationships, and show you the edited versions.
2. Never Separate RAW Files from Their Sidecar Files
When you move, copy, or organize RAW files, their corresponding .xmp or .cos files MUST move with them. Use software that handles this automatically (like Bridge or Lightroom) rather than manual file operations. One mistake here can destroy hours of editing work.
3. Back Up Both RAW Files AND Sidecar Files
Your backup system must include .xmp, .cos, and .EIP files along with the RAW files. A backup of just the RAW files without their editing data is essentially useless—you'll have the original sensor data but none of the professional color correction and adjustments.
4. Educate Everyone Handling the Files
Make sure your entire team understands what RAW files are, what XMP/sidecar files do, and why they must be kept together. One person trying to "clean up" a folder by deleting "technical files" can cause catastrophic data loss.
5. Verify Files After Transfer
After receiving RAW files from your photographer, verify with them if there should be any XMP or Capture One settings files as some SFTP providers do not transfer them by default. This is why we built a custom SFTP server for photographers to send their files to us that specifically handles these sidecar files.
6. Understand Your Photographer's Workflow
Ask your photographer which software they use (Adobe Lightroom? Capture One?) and what file formats they'll deliver. If they use Capture One, ensure you receive settings files (.cos or .EIP) or their catalog database. If they use Adobe, verify XMP files are included.
7. Consider DNG Conversion for Simplicity
If managing RAW files and separate XMP files is overwhelming, consider having your photographer deliver DNG files instead (or converting to DNG yourself). DNG embeds editing data inside the file, eliminating the sidecar file problem. However, always keep original files backed up before converting.
Feeling Overwhelmed by RAW File Management?
You're not alone. Managing RAW files, XMP sidecars, Capture One settings, file organization, format conversions, and distributor delivery specs is complex and time-consuming. This is exactly why Image Approvals includes comprehensive technical file handling as standard in every talent approvals package.
We manage all of this for you—professionally, reliably, and with complete transparency—so you can focus on your production rather than wrestling with file formats.
How Image Approvals Handles RAW Files
Professional RAW file management is included as standard in every talent approvals package. Here's how we handle the technical complexity for you:
Professional Ingest & Verification
We verify all RAW files, check for corresponding XMP or Capture One settings files, test file integrity, confirm editing data is present, and audit against delivery specifications—all before any other work begins.
Multi-Format Expertise
We handle all RAW formats—Canon CR2/CR3, Nikon NEF, Sony ARW, DNG, proprietary formats, and more. Whether your photographer uses Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, we maintain editing data integrity throughout the entire process.
Automated File Management
Our systems automatically keep RAW files synchronized with their sidecar files during all operations—renaming, organizing, tagging, and delivery prep. We never separate them manually, eliminating the risk of data loss.
Format Conversion & Optimization
We can convert between RAW formats (to DNG for archival), create high-quality JPGs for talent review, generate TIFFs for distributor delivery, and maintain full traceability of all file versions while preserving editing data throughout.
Comprehensive Quality Control
We verify that edits display correctly, check color accuracy across different software, ensure metadata is preserved, validate against distributor specifications, and confirm file integrity before every delivery milestone.
Complete Documentation & Traceability
We maintain detailed reports documenating file formats received, conversions performed, and version relationships—giving you complete transparency and confidence in your deliverables.
Zero Technical Stress, Maximum Quality
You don't need to understand RAW formats, XMP files, Camera Raw settings, or Capture One catalogs. You don't need to worry about accidentally deleting sidecar files or organizing thousands of images without breaking file relationships.
We handle all of this complexity as standard. You receive professionally managed photography ready for talent approval, with complete confidence that editing data is preserved, technical specifications are met, and final deliverables will meet distributor requirements.
Our clients consistently tell us that technical file management alone is worth the entire service fee. The time saved, stress eliminated, and mistakes avoided pay for themselves many times over.
Related Topics
Learn more about professional unit photography management
Ready to Take the Stress Out of Your Production Stills Delivery?
Let us handle the technical complexity while you focus on what really matters—creating great content. Get in touch today and discover how simple stills management can be.