RAWFormate

RAWFormate is a hypothetical, open-standard for exchanging raw sensor data across imaging and sensing devices. It defines a self-describing container for raw pixel data and associated metadata, intended to be platform- and vendor-neutral to improve portability and interoperability across camera bodies, drones, scientific instruments, and other imaging systems.

The design goals of RAWFormate include lossless storage, extensible metadata, and cross-domain interoperability. The format specifies a header with a signature, version, and descriptor, followed by a series of metadata blocks and a raw pixel data section. Metadata may cover exposure parameters, sensor temperature, demosaic and color calibration information, lens data, and device-specific calibration data. Pixel data are stored in sensor-native order and can be accompanied by optional lossless compression to preserve bit depth and dynamic range.

History and development of RAWFormate trace a path through community-driven discussions in the early 2020s. The initial specification was published by the RAWFormate Consortium in the mid-2020s, with ongoing updates through an open process that invited input from researchers, hobbyists, and industry participants. Early implementations appeared in open-source tooling and some experimental hardware workflows, serving as proofs of concept for cross-vendor data exchange.

Adoption and reception remain limited relative to legacy proprietary RAW formats. Proponents cite benefits such as streamlined data portability, consistent metadata handling, and easier multi-application workflows. Critics point to the need for broad tooling, potential increases in file size, and the challenge of achieving universal support across devices. See also RAW image format, Digital negative, Open standard.