If you take photos with your mobile phone and like to get the most out of them, edit in RAW on Android It is, today, the most flexible way to improve your images without losing quality. The idea is simple: preserve the maximum amount of sensor information to be able to freely adjust exposure, color, detail and noise., either on the smartphone itself or after importing them from an interchangeable lens camera.
In this guide, we combine the best of both worlds: apps for capturing and editing RAW files on Android, and mobile tools that also sync with your computer. You'll also see alternatives to Lightroom, common issues like Sony ARW support in some apps (hello, Snapseed), and quick options for exporting to JPEG. when you just need to share a sneak peek while you're out and about.
What is RAW format and why is it worth it on mobile?
Cameras (including those on your smartphone) have a sensor with millions of cells that record light in different channels. That “raw” data goes to the camera app, which can process it to create a compressed JPG or let you save it almost untouched as RAWThe second one takes up more space and isn't a single standard, but it preserves the information matrix with much greater latitude for editing.
On Android phones, the most common format is DNG (Adobe's open RAW format), although if you import photos from cameras you'll see extensions like ARW (Sony), CR2/CR3 (Canon), or NEF (Nikon). Whether you can capture in RAW depends on your phone's compatibility with Camera2 API and that the app allows it; if not, you can always edit RAWs imported from a card or camera.
Unlike JPG, RAW does not apply noise reduction or aggressive sharpening, nor does it bake in white balance. That means you can restore highlights, lift shadows, and adjust color without ruining the image.In return, you'll need a RAW processing app and some extra time to "develop" the photo.
How to Capture RAW on Android: Camera Apps That Actually Comply
If your native app doesn't offer RAW, there are alternatives that take advantage of the Camera2 API. The goal is to have manual control (ISO, speed, focus, balance) and the option to save in DNG.
- Adobe Lightroom (built-in camera): Shoot in DNG with manual controls, exposure lock, histogram, and pro modes. Ideal if you're editing on-site or syncing with Creative Cloud.
- Open Room: Free and open source, allows RAW/DNG, ISO, exposure, WB control and voice/sound triggering. Perfect to start without paying.
- Camera FV-5: DSLR-like controls, long exposure, bracketing, and DNG capture. Very solid for more technical photography.
- Footej Camera: : simple interface with Camera2 support (if your phone allows it), manual settings and burst. Good balance between ease and control.
- Manual Camera: Manual focus, ISO, speed and geotags with saving in DNG. One of the classic options for RAW.
Even if you shoot RAW with one app, you can edit in another; the workflow is very flexible. The important thing: check that the mobile supports the necessary Camera2 level and, if you import ARW/CR3/NEF, that the app decodes them correctly..
Best Android apps for editing RAW (and some useful cross-platform apps)
Let's get to the nitty-gritty: developing on your phone. Here are the apps that best handle RAW on Android, with their strengths and compatibility nuances.
Adobe Lightroom (Android)
It is the most complete “all-terrain” vehicle. Processes native and imported RAW files, offering non-destructive editing, selective masks, curves, color profiles, noise reduction, and sharpening.Plus, its built-in camera shoots in DNG, and if you use Creative Cloud, it syncs with your desktop to finish the photo on your computer.
For those asking about a mobile alternative to Nikon's NX Studio for quick edits and JPEG export, Lightroom is extremely stable with NEF/ARW/CR3 and allows you to output a clean JPEG in seconds.The free version covers a lot; the paid version unlocks premium features and the cloud.
Adobe Photoshop Express (Android)
Simpler than Lightroom, but compatible with RAW for import and basic editing. Ideal for correcting exposure, white balance and contrast without complicating things.If you just want a networking breakthrough, deliver.
Snap Seed (Android)
Free, powerful, and with non-destructive editing. It reads DNG and has very useful tools such as Selective, Brush, Portrait or Exposure Blending.If you're shooting on a modern Sony, try a sample file first; DNG usually works perfectly.
VSCO (Android)
It was born for its filters, but today it can capture and edit RAW. Its appeal lies in its aesthetics: well-calibrated creative profiles and essential controls.It's not the deepest in technical tools, but it offers consistent results and a fast flow, with a built-in community.
Google Photos (Android)
It's not a professional suite, but the app Google Photos It is used to convert and adjust RAW “on the fly”. Opens DNG and some camera RAW files, and allows export to JPG with basic correctionsIf you're looking for the "minimum viable" option for sharing from your mobile, this is a practical and always-on option.
ON1 Photo RAW for Mobile (Android)
ON1's mobile offering promises an advanced development engine, local editing with masks, professional filters (Dynamic Contrast, B/W, Vignetting, Curves), organization with ratings and search, and ON1 360 sync across devices. In theory, it offers a very complete pro workflow with control of exposure, shadows, midtones, whites/blacks, white balance, noise and sharpening.However, several users have reported unexpected crashes even on powerful phones; try it on your device before adopting it as your primary app.
Photo Mate R3 (Android)
Highly focused on photographers: catalog, classification, RAW decoding, non-destructive editing, and broad camera compatibility. It has a 72-hour demo and then a payment model.If you're looking for a "serious" developer without having to pay for subscriptions, this is a good candidate.
RAW Droid Pro (Android)
It's not a deep editor; it's a RAW viewer/manager. Perfect for reviewing, sorting, renaming, and editing metadata from multiple formats (ARW, CR2/CR3, NEF, DNG, etc.) when working with cards or external drives on Android.
CapCut (web/mobile with photo editor)
Although it's best known for video, its online photo editor has gained tools for exposure, color, white balance, saturation/vibrance, sharpening, and noise reduction, in addition to cropping and composition. The platform boasts “RAW editing” and a simple workflow of recording, uploading, editing, and exporting to JPG/PNG/PDF.In practice, it's not a specialized developer like Lightroom or ON1, but if you need quick adjustments from the browser, it can get you out of a jam with a very low learning curve.
Android-only camera and editing apps that fill the gap
In addition to the "big ones," there are specific tools to complete your workflow on Android. If you care about both capturing and editing, combining them makes a lot of sense.
- A-Z Camera: DSLR-style controls, RAW, and bracketing (some features are unlocked with a fee). Useful if you want fine manual exposure.
- RAW Droid Pro: already mentioned, as a viewer/manager to handle batches of RAW files on mobile without extensive editing.
- Photo Mate R3: catalog and non-destructive development; a good partner for Open Camera or Camera FV-5.
iOS and desktop options to complete your ecosystem
Although this guide is Android-first, many photographers alternate between mobile and desktop (and some use iPhone/iPad). If you move between platforms, these pieces fit well with a mixed workflow.
- iOS (capture/editing): Darkroom, RAW Power, Halide, ProCam 7, Manual – RAW, Obscura, ProShot and ProCamera. In general, all allow DNG and manual control with non-destructive editing.
- Desktop (RAW edition): Darktable and RAWTherapee are very powerful free alternatives (HDR/Tone Mapping, advanced noise reduction, lens and color correction). GIMP requires an external RAW module; Photopea opens RAW on the web with basic controls.Among commercial applications, Lightroom/Photoshop, Capture One, and Luminar Neo provide deep workflows, styles, and AI tools.
Practical tip: If you're doing serious processing on your computer, use your phone for initial selection, light editing, and JPEG export while you're traveling. Then, when you return, resume the RAW process on your desktop with a larger screen.
Compatibilities and obstacles in the way with RAW
Not all RAW files are the same in the eyes of each app. DNG is usually the easiest way to go on Android., while ARW/CR3/NEF depend on updated decoders. For example, there are reports of Snapseed failing with recent Sony ARWs, though it works fine with DNG. Lightroom is one of the best for proprietary formats.
In addition, the features depend on the mobile: If your device does not expose Advanced Camera2, some apps will not be able to capture DNG (although you can edit imported RAW files). Always check compatibility and, if necessary, convert to DNG before moving to your phone.
Mobile RAW Development Tips: From Capture to JPEG
Editing RAW on a small screen requires method. These settings often give you more for less:
- Exposure and contrast: Corrects overall exposure and uses “whites/blacks” to fix the point; avoids “squashing” shadows.
- White Balance: adjusts temperature and hue by looking at skin or neutral areas, RAW allows you to do so without penalty.
- Highlights and shadows: Restores sky and texture without halos; two gentle passes are better than one aggressive one.
- Curves/Halftones: a light S gives “clean” contrast; on mobile, zoom to 100% so you don't overdo it.
- Noise reduction and sharpening: first noise (luminance/chrominance), then sharpness; avoid the “over-sharpened” look.
- Local edition: With masks/brush, lift only what is necessary (faces, foreground shadows, skies).
- Lens corrections: Enable profiles for vignetting/distortion/AC if the app offers them.
- Export to JPEG: high quality (85-95), sRGB and size appropriate to the destination. For previews, 2048 px long side is usually enough.
Looking for an alternative to Lightroom or a quick app to get you through the day?
Some people want to avoid subscriptions or need something stable because an app is giving them trouble. If Snapseed won't open your ARW or ON1 crashes on your phone, try these combinations:
- Fast and hassle-free: Photoshop Express or Google Photos to correct and export to JPEG in a minute.
- Free and powerful: Snapseed if you work with DNG; Check your Sony's ARW before.
- Catalog + development: Photo Mate R3 (72h demo) for non-destructive grading and editing on Android.
- Wide compatibility: Lightroom Mobile handles ARW/CR3/NEF well and your DNG camera is the best.
- Simple Web: CapCut Photos for basic adjustments and export when you just need an express touch-up.
Frequently asked questions that should be clear
What settings are most frequently used in mobile RAW? Exposure, white balance, highlight/shadow recovery, color (saturation/vibrance), noise reduction, sharpening, and, where possible, curves and local editing with masks.
Do I need a “big” phone to edit RAW? Not essential, but it helps. Any recent mid-range device runs DNG without any problems; for large batches or heavy RAW files from cameras, more RAM/CPU always helps.
Is editing in RAW “better” than in JPG? Yes, if you're looking for leeway: RAW preserves more sensor data and allows for adjustments without severe artifacts. JPG is faster, but gives you less leeway.
Can I edit RAW on a tablet/other phone and finish on the PC? Sure. Lightroom and ON1 360 sync; with other apps, export a provisional JPEG and save the RAW for final development on your desktop.
If you want stability, ARW/CR3/NEF compatibility, and pro tools, Lightroom Mobile is the safe bet; if your workflow is light and you work with DNG, Snapseed remains a free classic; for cataloging/management on Android, Photo Mate R3 and RAW Droid Pro do very well; and if capturing RAW is your priority, Open Camera and Camera FV-5 are excellent companions. With these tools, your phone can be a mini development lab that's just as good as a computer.
