RAW File Thumbnails in Windows Explorer
Dec 21, 2019 11:56:47 #
This may be old news for many. I'm six months late in finding it but it was news to me.
A few years ago there was a Windows accessory/plug in that would make RAW files viewable in Windows Explorer. It was not updated as cameras rolled out. I gave up on it as I bought newer cameras. I read in several places that Microsoft had given up trying to keep up with RAW versions.
Yesterday I learned here (from "TriX" in another topic) that there was a new and improved add on for Windows 10 1903. It was released last June right after the major Windows 10 May update to 1903. It is free in the Windows Store.
If it is of value to you, search for "Windows 10 Raw Image Extension".
It was a bit of a shock to suddenly see RAW thumbnails in Windows Explorer.
A few years ago there was a Windows accessory/plug in that would make RAW files viewable in Windows Explorer. It was not updated as cameras rolled out. I gave up on it as I bought newer cameras. I read in several places that Microsoft had given up trying to keep up with RAW versions.
Yesterday I learned here (from "TriX" in another topic) that there was a new and improved add on for Windows 10 1903. It was released last June right after the major Windows 10 May update to 1903. It is free in the Windows Store.
If it is of value to you, search for "Windows 10 Raw Image Extension".
It was a bit of a shock to suddenly see RAW thumbnails in Windows Explorer.
Dec 21, 2019 12:18:38 #
Yes, I too read the post and got the extension in the Microsoft store. It's a useful feature if one shoots only RAW images and wants to see them outside a post-processing program.
Dec 22, 2019 06:36:19 #
bsprague wrote:
This may be old news for many. I'm six months lat... (show quote)
This is interesting as I have always seen RAW in windows explorer for over a decade of digital use. Has something changed? I use win 10 and update regularly.
Dec 22, 2019 08:10:03 #
Dec 22, 2019 08:53:35 #
Dec 22, 2019 10:44:06 #
I have never loaded an extension for Windows 10 and it has always displayed the Raw files from my Pentax K5 II.
Dec 22, 2019 10:50:21 #
My Windows 10 also has no problem viewing RAW files. Additionally, Adobe Bridge has no problem viewing RAW files.
Dec 22, 2019 11:23:42 #
I have never loaded this extension either, but have seen raw files for some time. I think it might be related to have the old Windows Live Photo Gallery installed. Even though it is no longer supported, you can get it and it still runs even with the latest windows update. It always had a little dialog box pop up when importing pics asking if you wanted the import raw files. I didn't know anything about raw files until I bought a Powershot G15 about 6 years ago. Even Photos that came along with Win10 displays raw thumbnails. (No, not .cr3 files. Nothing except DPP4 does that.
Dec 22, 2019 11:36:06 #
I don't rely on seeing thumbnails from raw files so I have never really looked. I just opened a folder full on NEF files and they all displayed the previews just fine. I do keep Win10 updated but never added anything special from the winstore.
Of course it could be another indication of my CRS problem related to my advanced age.
Just tried it again on another folder and just before the thumbnail displayed, File Explorer showed the photos icon.
Of course it could be another indication of my CRS problem related to my advanced age.
Just tried it again on another folder and just before the thumbnail displayed, File Explorer showed the photos icon.
Dec 22, 2019 11:44:56 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
I had always been able to see RAW (ARW) files on my desktop without any additional software, until I went to the a7r iii. Then, no more views. Because the new size slowed down processing too much, I went to 24G RAM. Now they are back. I cannot say for sure, but I suspect most problems in viewing are lack of memory.
And the viewing is with Windows Photo Viewer.
And the viewing is with Windows Photo Viewer.
Dec 22, 2019 11:45:20 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
My Nikon NEF files display in File explorer. I don't know if this is result of installing the Nikon software or not.
My Olympus files do NOT display thumbnails, however. Fastone Image viewer will allow viewing in their software. It is rather good. Fast Picture Viewer Codec Pack will allow you to use File explorer.
My Olympus files do NOT display thumbnails, however. Fastone Image viewer will allow viewing in their software. It is rather good. Fast Picture Viewer Codec Pack will allow you to use File explorer.
Dec 22, 2019 12:30:54 #
Dec 22, 2019 12:58:18 #
The only raw files I have had trouble viewing in Windows 10 are from the Canon EOS R--CR3 (also a problem with RP CR3 files). While the new Windows Raw extension mentioned here allows the viewing of some CR3 files, it still does not support viewing files from the R. It is not a huge deal. As others have pointed out FastViewer DPP4, Adobe, other programs allow one to view the CR3 files from the R, but I have a nice workflow I can't use with that camera. Just got the new Sony a7riv, which has raw files I can view without issue, so don't know what is the issue with CR3 files from the R (and RP).
Dec 22, 2019 22:13:20 #
smussler
Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY
Interesting comments from everyone being able to view raw for a long time. I could not view them from by Nikon D5600. I had to download a codec from Nikon. Apparently the RAW format changes with different model cameras. Older lightroom versions will not read the D5600's raw file either. Latest LR needed to fix that to read the NEF file directly.
Dec 22, 2019 23:44:39 #
you dont mention what"version" of raw.
I shoot Nikon Raw (Nef) files and have always loaded the Nikon Codex from the nikon site.
it's always allowed me to view nef in win 10 explorer and photo viewer
I shoot Nikon Raw (Nef) files and have always loaded the Nikon Codex from the nikon site.
it's always allowed me to view nef in win 10 explorer and photo viewer
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