File extension .NEF
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon Digital SLR Camera RAW Image Format | Nikon | Camera Raw Files |
The .NEF (Nikon Electronic Format RAW Image) file is a digital image file created by a Nikon cameras and stored in a proprietary format. This type of NEF formatted files are located in the memory card from Nikon digital cameras, as well as other types of Nikon compatible devices. The NEF raw image data is uncompressed, unprocessed and contains more information that is typically used for editing photos on a computer. It contains information such as the white balance, contrast preference, and shutter speed.
Technical Details
The Nikon NEF file can contain information about the camera settings when the photographer took the picture such as f-stop, ISO and focus distance, as well as settings from both internal and external flash. It can also contain color space information. Due to its proprietary composition, these files can not easily be opened or edited with traditional image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Paintshop Pro; instead they need to be opened with programs such as Aperture for Apple, Capture NX2 for Windows and Lightroom for both Mac OSX and Windows. Files with similar formats include: .RAW, .ARW, .CRW and .ORF
Limitations
Some of the limitations of working with NEF files is that since they are non-linear data streams they require special processing. However, due to their large size, they might require compression or alternative storage methods in order to be used efficiently on computers or other devices. Additionally, some image editors might only support earlier versions of NEF image formatting and not more modern versions.
Programs for WINDOWS system
ViewNX 
Adobe Photoshop 
PaintShop Pro 
CorelDRAW 
ACDSee 
Picasa - Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery
Zoner Photo Studio 
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 
XnView 
FastPictureViewer Professional 
ACDSee Photo Manager 
FastStone Image Viewer 
Corel PaintShop Pro 
CorelDraw Graphics Suite 
Adobe DNG Converter - Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .NEF) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .NEF extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .NEF file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .NEF extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .NEF extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .NEF file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .NEF file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .NEF file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .NEF file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .NEF file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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