RAW Format

RAW files contain the complete sensor readout — the exact light values captured by each photosite on the camera sensor. When a camera saves a JPEG, it applies noise reduction, sharpening, color processing, and compression, permanently baking in those decisions. A RAW file keeps the original data so the photographer can decide exposure, white balance, color, and noise reduction later in post-production. Common RAW formats include CR3 for Canon, NEF for Nikon, ARW for Sony, and DNG, Adobe's open RAW format.

Photographers often shoot important events in RAW because the scene cannot be repeated. If exposure or white balance is slightly wrong during a wedding, product shoot, or fast-moving ceremony, RAW files provide more room to recover highlights, shadows, and color than a JPEG captured with the same settings. That flexibility is valuable when lighting changes quickly or the final edit needs to match a specific style.

The tradeoff is file size and workflow complexity. A RAW file is much larger than a finished JPEG and must be processed before sharing, posting, or sending to clients. RAW is best for capture and editing; JPEG, PNG, or WebP are better for delivery.

Magic Eraser works with uploaded standard image files such as JPEG, PNG, and WebP. If your photo was captured in RAW, first export a high-quality JPEG or PNG from your camera app, Lightroom, Capture One, or another RAW editor, then upload that file. For best results with AI Enhance and other edits, start from the highest-quality, well-exposed, minimally compressed version available because the AI can only build on the detail present in the source image.