iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models shoot Apple ProRAW. The files are DNGs, Adobe's open RAW format. They give you editing headroom that a JPG cannot, but they are large and most platforms reject them. Convert ProRAW to JPG before you share or upload. Here is how to turn ProRAW on and off, and how to develop your DNG files into standard JPG images.
What is Apple ProRAW?
Apple ProRAW saves images as DNG files. Unlike a standard JPG, a ProRAW file contains unprocessed sensor data alongside Apple's computational photography processing. You get adjustable white balance and exposure, the core benefits of RAW, while keeping the camera's automatic enhancements applied.
Each 12-megapixel ProRAW file runs about 25 MB. That is far larger than a JPG. The trade-off is more editing latitude. Your phone storage fills faster, and uploading to social media or other services will fail until you convert the file.
How to Enable or Disable ProRAW
Control ProRAW from the Camera section of your phone's system settings.
Turning On ProRAW
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Camera.
- Tap Formats.
- Under Photo Capture, turn on Apple ProRAW.
Once enabled, a RAW button appears in the Camera app. Tap it to toggle ProRAW on or off for each shot.
Turning Off ProRAW
Go back to Settings > Camera > Formats and turn off Apple ProRAW. The RAW button disappears from the Camera app. You can also leave ProRAW enabled but toggle the RAW button off in the Camera app for any shot where you do not need a RAW file.
Why Convert ProRAW to JPG?
Social media sites and upload forms reject DNG files. Convert the DNG to JPG first. A JPG is much smaller, so it is easier to store and share. The conversion also lets you set white balance and exposure before the data is reduced to 8 bits. You control the final look.
- File size: A ProRAW file is about 25 MB. A JPG from the same image lands around 2 to 5 MB.
- Compatibility: JPG is accepted everywhere.
- Editing control: Set white balance and exposure before converting. You keep the benefits of the RAW data.
How to Develop ProRAW DNG Files to JPG
Developing a ProRAW DNG file means processing the RAW data into a viewable JPG. Do it on your iPhone, on a computer, or with an online tool.
On Your iPhone
- Open the Photos app or a compatible photo editor.
- Select the ProRAW DNG file.
- Adjust white balance and exposure.
- Export or save the image as JPG. The app processes the RAW data and creates a standard JPG file.
Using an Online Tool
- Visit a website that converts DNG to JPG, such as jpeg2raw.com.
- Upload your ProRAW DNG file.
- Adjust white balance and exposure if the tool offers those controls.
- Download the resulting JPG file.
Online tools work when you do not have a photo editor installed or when you are on a shared computer.
Tips for Managing ProRAW File Size
ProRAW files are large. Your iPhone storage fills up fast. Use these tactics to keep space available.
- Turn on ProRAW only when you plan to edit the photo later. For casual shots, toggle the RAW button off in the Camera app.
- After you convert a DNG to JPG and confirm the JPG looks correct, delete the original DNG file to free up space.
- If you shoot in ProRAW + JPG mode, you get both files. Ask yourself whether you really need the DNG for every shot.
What to Do When Your DNG Won't Upload
A ProRAW DNG file will fail on social media, email, and online forms. Convert it to JPG first. Most services reject DNG files outright. After you develop the DNG to JPG, the file uploads without issue. Do not just rename the file to .jpg. That does not change the internal format and the upload will still fail. Process the RAW data into a proper JPG using a photo editor or an online converter.