The short answer
- RAF is Fujifilm’s proprietary camera-raw image-and-metadata container that preserves sensor data and Fujifilm-specific metadata, with EXIF information stored separately inside an embedded JPEG preview.
- Use a RAF-capable raw decoder, or use FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO with a connected compatible camera. X RAW STUDIO relies on the camera’s image processor, and the connected camera model must match the model that created the RAF file. On a phone, use only an app that explicitly supports the relevant RAF file; otherwise transfer it to a supported desktop workflow.
- RAF is an image-and-metadata container rather than a documented active-content format, but an untrusted file still passes through complex image and metadata parsers. NVD documents an out-of-bounds read affecting LibRaw before 0.21.4 in a Fujifilm metadata-tag parser. Use an updated decoder and consider sandboxing when opening an untrusted RAF file.
RAF (Fujifilm Raw) File
A RAF file records raw image data from a Fujifilm camera together with metadata such as raw dimensions, aspect ratio, sensor layout, white-balance levels, relative exposure, and raw exposure bias. RAF headers distinguish uncompressed, losslessly compressed, and lossy-compressed variants. Fujifilm describes lossless compression as reversible and preserving all image data.
FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO can render supported RAF files and save the result as JPEG. Its cited guide specifically documents TIFF output for RAF files from the GFX 50S. Conversion settings affect the rendered result, and stronger JPEG compression exchanges image quality for a smaller file. Converted files are saved beside the RAF without replacing it, so retain the original for later reprocessing.
How to open it
Use a RAF-capable raw decoder, or use FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO with a connected compatible camera. X RAW STUDIO relies on the camera’s image processor, and the connected camera model must match the model that created the RAF file. On a phone, use only an app that explicitly supports the relevant RAF file; otherwise transfer it to a supported desktop workflow.
Use a RAF-capable raw decoder, or use FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO with a connected compatible camera. X RAW STUDIO relies on the camera’s image processor, and the connected camera model must match the model that created the RAF file. On a phone, use only an app that explicitly supports the relevant RAF file; otherwise transfer it to a supported desktop workflow.
FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO can render supported RAF files and save the result as JPEG. Its cited guide specifically documents TIFF output for RAF files from the GFX 50S. Conversion settings affect the rendered result, and stronger JPEG compression exchanges image quality for a smaller file. Converted files are saved beside the RAF without replacing it, so retain the original for later reprocessing.
File safety
RAF is an image-and-metadata container rather than a documented active-content format, but an untrusted file still passes through complex image and metadata parsers. NVD documents an out-of-bounds read affecting LibRaw before 0.21.4 in a Fujifilm metadata-tag parser. Use an updated decoder and consider sandboxing when opening an untrusted RAF file.
An unknown sender, a name ending in two extensions, or contents that do not match the extension — check before you open it.
Converting it
FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO can render supported RAF files and save the result as JPEG. Its cited guide specifically documents TIFF output for RAF files from the GFX 50S. Conversion settings affect the rendered result, and stronger JPEG compression exchanges image quality for a smaller file. Converted files are saved beside the RAF without replacing it, so retain the original for later reprocessing.
Convert a copy, never the original, then compare quality, metadata, and layout against what you started with.
Common questions
What is a Fujifilm RAF file and what information does it contain?
A RAF file is Fujifilm’s proprietary camera-raw image-and-metadata container. Documented data includes raw dimensions, aspect ratio, Fujifilm or X-Trans sensor layouts, white-balance levels, relative exposure, and raw exposure bias; EXIF information is stored separately in an embedded JPEG preview.
How do I open a RAF raw photo with FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO?
Connect a compatible Fujifilm camera and select the RAF in X RAW STUDIO. The software uses the connected camera’s image processor, so the camera model must match the model that created the RAF file.
How do I open a RAF file on Windows?
Use a Windows raw decoder that explicitly supports the RAF file, or use FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO with the matching compatible camera connected. Do not infer support merely from the .RAF extension.
How do I open a RAF file on a Mac?
Use a Mac raw decoder that explicitly supports the RAF file, or use FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO with a connected compatible camera of the same model that captured it.
How can I view a RAF file on a phone?
Use a phone app only if it explicitly supports the relevant RAF file. If it does not, transfer the RAF to a supported desktop decoder or convert it through a compatible X RAW STUDIO workflow.
Why will my RAF file not open in FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO?
Check whether the connected camera is compatible and whether its model exactly matches the camera that created the RAF. X RAW STUDIO’s camera-assisted processing depends on that match.
Should I keep RAF or use JPEG for a Fujifilm photo?
Keep RAF when future reprocessing or maximum preservation of sensor data matters. Use JPEG for a rendered copy; increasing JPEG compression makes the file smaller at the cost of image quality.
How do I convert a Fujifilm RAF file to JPEG or TIFF?
X RAW STUDIO converts supported RAF files to JPEG and saves them beside the original. Its cited guide specifically documents TIFF output for GFX 50S RAF files; it does not establish TIFF support for every RAF-producing camera.
Is it safe to open an untrusted RAF file?
Treat it cautiously. RAF is not documented as an active-content format, but opening it invokes complex parsers, and NVD records a Fujifilm metadata parsing flaw in LibRaw before 0.21.4. Use updated, preferably sandboxed decoding software.
What is the difference between uncompressed, lossless-compressed, and lossy-compressed RAF files?
RAF headers identify all three variants. Fujifilm describes lossless compression as reversible and preserving all image data; lossy compression does not carry that preservation guarantee, while uncompressed RAF avoids compression.
Related formats
Sources
FujiFilm Tags · Official ExifTool format documentation
FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO – Features & Users Guide · FUJIFILM Corporation
The Shooting Menus: Image Quality Setting — GFX 50S · FUJIFILM official camera manual
IANA Media Types — Image Registry · Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
NVD — CVE-2025-43961 · NIST National Vulnerability Database