Here’s What to Do With RAW Files After Processing

RAW files can be tricky to deal with on the job. Once you process them, it can be hard to determine what to do next. What should you do with RAW files after processing? What is the best option for your files?

The best thing to do after processing RAW files is to save them in storage in case you need them again later. You may need to revert back to the original RAW file to make certain edits in the future.

If you’re interested in learning more about RAW files, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn whether you keep RAW files after editing, how to save the file, and management options for this type of file. The more you know, the better your experience can be. Let’s get started.

Do You Keep RAW Files After Editing?

Many fall into the habit of forgetting about their RAW files after editing. They toss them to the side or dumb them in a location where they can’t access them again. If you have just finished editing a RAW file, what do you do with it? Is it important to keep the file or can you get rid of it to make room for other items with the additional space?

You should keep RAW files after editing. This step is critical because RAW files:

  • Can come in handy later
  • Provide the original unedited image
  • Can be useful if you need to make certain edits in the future that can only be done with a RAW file

You should hold onto the RAW files after the editing process.

Of course, it helps to understand how to save a RAW file after editing if you want to hold onto it. Let’s discuss the possibilities for keeping a RAW file after editing the original photo. It can come in handy later on in the process.

How Do I Save A RAW File After Editing?

There are many ways to save a RAW file after editing. The process depends on the method you are using to edit the image. Depending on the software used, each has a different technique for saving a RAW image. Let’s talk about a few of the most common ways to save on a couple of platforms.

Here are a few ways to save your RAW file:

  • Photoshop: Save it as a copy in the Photoshop format and shift it into a JPEG for the future.
  • Camera Raw: Go to the lower left of the dialogue. Press save the image and choose your destination for the RAW product to travel to after the process.

You will have it in storage after this process.

If the file takes up too much room, you can also place it on a hard drive to free up room. RAW files might be big, but there is a possibility to move them to another location for more room.

What Formats Can You Save A RAW File In?

When saving a RAW file, it helps to understand the possibilities for saving the file. What are the formats you can save a RAW file? Let’s talk about a few of the best choices for the RAW file on your computer.

Here are a few of the best formats to save your RAW file in:

  • PSD
  • JPEG
  • TIFF
  • DNG

You can transfer the RAW file to another location if you want to make additional room on your computer.

Determine the formats you are comfortable working with to find the ideal version for your RAW image. Once you do, ensure you save the image and put it somewhere safe for use in the future.

Final Thoughts

The best thing to do after processing RAW files is to save them. Once you edit the photo, you can download the RAW file and keep it on hand. You can go to the image if you need to make any adjustments later. It might seem painful to hold such a large file, but you can always transfer it if you need to make more room.

We hope this information was helpful! If you have a RAW file, it can be tricky to determine what to do with it. With a little extra effort, you can save the RAW file and keep it on hand as a negative for the edited photo. The more you know about the RAW image, the better your experience with the process will be.