RAWformaate

RAWformaate is a term that appears in digital imaging discussions but does not designate a widely recognized standard. It is often a misspelling of RAW format or a colloquial label used to describe raw image data workflows in photography communities. Because of its informal status, exact definitions can vary between sources.

In photography, a RAW file records the sensor data from a camera with minimal in-camera processing. This typically includes metadata such as exposure settings, lens information, and sometimes calibration data. RAW data are stored at high bit depth and may be compressed losslessly or left uncompressed, depending on the camera system. The advantage of capturing in RAW is the ability to adjust white balance, exposure, color, and tonal mapping non-destructively during post-processing.

RAW image workflows rely on software to interpret the sensor data and metadata. Users must convert RAW files into standard image formats for display or publication. The need for specialized decoding means RAW files are less universally compatible than processed JPEGs and can require vendor-specific tools or universal converters.

Commonly discussed real-world RAW formats include Canon’s CR2, Nikon’s NEF, Sony’s ARW, and Fujifilm’s RAF, among others. To improve long-term accessibility, some workflows convert RAW files to standardized archival formats such as DNG or TIFF with lossless or controlled settings.

See also: RAW image format, Digital negative (DNG), Color management, Non-destructive editing.