DNG file: what it is and how to open it on Windows
DNG (Digital Negative) is Adobe's open RAW photo format. iPhones save ProRAW as DNG, and Google Pixel phones, Leica, Pentax and DJI drones shoot it too. It holds the unprocessed sensor data. Windows Photos opens DNG with the free Raw Image Extension; for a whole folder, convert DNG to JPG or TIFF in one batch.
How to open a .DNG file on Windows
- Windows Photos (free). Install the free Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store, then double-click the DNG.
- RawTherapee or darktable (free). Open-source RAW editors that open and develop DNG files one at a time.
- Contenta Converter, for whole folders. Drop the folder, choose JPG, TIFF or PNG and convert hundreds of DNG files at once, iPhone ProRAW included.
How it works
Format |
DNG |
Company |
Adobe |
| Description | |
| Benefits | |
| Drawbacks | File sizes are 20–40 MB for a 24 MP sensor, versus 5–8 MB for a high-quality JPEG. No web browser, email client, or phone gallery opens them directly — you need a RAW processor to view them. Every camera brand uses its own flavor, and older RAW files sometimes stop being supported as editors move on. |
| Metadata | Stores XMP metadata inline, including copyright, keywords, camera info, and ICC color profiles. |
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DNG image organization
DNG image processing
DNG image annotation
Frequently Asked Questions about DNG
What is DNG and why should I use it?
DNG (Digital Negative) is Adobe open RAW format designed as a universal alternative to proprietary formats like CR2, NEF, and ARW. Using DNG ensures long-term compatibility so your files will remain readable even if a camera manufacturer stops supporting their format.
Can I convert CR2 or NEF to DNG without losing quality?
Yes. DNG conversion is lossless and preserves the full sensor data from the original RAW file. Contenta Converter PREMIUM can batch convert CR2, NEF, ARW, and other RAW formats to DNG while preserving all metadata.
Can Contenta Converter open iPhone ProRAW DNG files?
Yes. It decodes Apple ProRAW DNG files and converts them to JPG, TIFF or PNG, a whole folder at a time.
Need more than DNG conversion? Browse supported cameras that produce DNG files below, or: