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Hangerbum
Inspiring
September 15, 2018
Answered

Best file format for processed RAW files

  • September 15, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 452 views

Hello,

I'm learning about shooting RAW and that it gives me more options for post processing. I'm trying to grasp the idea of what the best post production final format should be to retain all the quality of the RAW shot without the compression of a jpg conversion...or does that matter, can we see the difference. I see that tiff and psd are lossless file formats? What do some of you pro's out there convert your RAW's to  for printing and/or primary storage on the HD..(Forever) I don't see the point in doing all the work to a RAW file just to convert it to a lower quality jpg and I don't want to shoot just jpg and loose the potential high quality of the RAW option.

Thanks in advance! 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer DelphiZoa

    HI Hangerbum,

    If you are editing in Photoshop, particularly with many layers, than saving as a PSD is best so you can revisit the file and make changes. That's what I typically save my files as, though I will often keep the original RAW file as well if it's an important image. TIFF is also a great option, particularly if you need to print without Photoshop handy. Of course, both PSD and TIFF files tend to be large, as they are uncompressed. That said, there are so many options for storage, I never have an issue with it. As for JPG, I only ever convert to JPG if sending to a printer or someone else who requests it or if I'm getting an image ready for digital display. Regardless, I would never get rid of the uncompressed file and save only JPG.

    If you want more info, there are lots of great articles out there on file types. This one, for example, goes over some of the nonproprietary ones (not Photoshop): https://digitalarch.org/blog/2017/4/7/best-image-formats-for-archival-photography

    Hope that helps. Let us know if you have other questions.

    2 replies

    H
    HangerbumAuthor
    Inspiring
    September 15, 2018

    Thanks DelphiZoa,

    You confirmed my original guess. I don't print anything on my own so I use outside (online) services. I just need to confirm what format they prefer.... PSD or Tiff.

    The article link is much appreciated as well.

    DelphiZoa
    DelphiZoa
    Participating Frequently
    September 15, 2018

    Glad it was helpful! And, yes, with outside printers, the best policy is always to ask them what file format they prefer. No one can seem to agree.

    Happy creating!

    DelphiZoa
    DelphiZoaCorrect answer
    Participating Frequently
    September 15, 2018

    HI Hangerbum,

    If you are editing in Photoshop, particularly with many layers, than saving as a PSD is best so you can revisit the file and make changes. That's what I typically save my files as, though I will often keep the original RAW file as well if it's an important image. TIFF is also a great option, particularly if you need to print without Photoshop handy. Of course, both PSD and TIFF files tend to be large, as they are uncompressed. That said, there are so many options for storage, I never have an issue with it. As for JPG, I only ever convert to JPG if sending to a printer or someone else who requests it or if I'm getting an image ready for digital display. Regardless, I would never get rid of the uncompressed file and save only JPG.

    If you want more info, there are lots of great articles out there on file types. This one, for example, goes over some of the nonproprietary ones (not Photoshop): https://digitalarch.org/blog/2017/4/7/best-image-formats-for-archival-photography

    Hope that helps. Let us know if you have other questions.

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