Not even 24 hours have passed since yesterday we talked about the need for image support RAW in Google Photos The company has just made this a reality. The latest version of the photo app allows you to work with RAW format photos, although not in the way you might expect. The feature is being rolled out gradually and with limitations.. We explain it to you.
Google Photos is gradually adding a set of new features. Among them, we highlight the initial support for RAW images. an uncompressed format with all the sensor data allowing edit without loss compared to JPG. Of course, these types of files have a large file size and They may take longer to open on devices with fewer resources.
Now with the new version of Google Photos, you will be able to open images in RAWBut you can do little more with them besides learn their information, since for the moment The native edition is limited.In fact, to open the photograph in question from local storage on some mobile phones, You may need a file manager or access it from the system's own gallery.
Due to the larger size of these types of files, there is a delay in opening these images, which can make opening these photos cumbersome. However, Everything points to increasingly comprehensive support of the RAW format in Google Photos.
RAW in Google Photos: viewing, backup, and management
When you enable RAW/JPEG capture on the camera, Google Photos identifies pairs with a “RAW” badge in the grid. Tapping on the element lets you see the JPEG version and also switch to RAW mosaic to inspect the raw file. If you click on Edit, You can set your favorite editor as the default RAW editor. directly from Google Photos to open it in specialized apps.
If you have backup enabled, Google Photos performs backup of both files (JPEG and RAW)This improves safety, but also increases storage consumption Local and cloud storage. Previously, many users managed RAW files separately in a specific folder; today, Google Photos... It groups the RAW+JPEG pair into a single elementThis makes it difficult to delete only the RAW files or download them in bulk from the computer.
On desktop, this grouping can limit the selection by file type. To view RAW files only on your mobile deviceA practical alternative is to use the Gallery tab in Adobe Lightroom with its filters, although this doesn't completely solve cloud management issues. Google Photos mobile also has a dedicated section. Library > RAWwhich makes it easier to locate your raw captures.
When downloading, Google Photos can generate internal names differentiating between cover and original, for example RAW-01.COVER.jpg (JPEG) and RAW-02.ORIGINAL.dng (RAW). Some photographic catalogs may interpret both files as distinct and double imports If duplicate handling is not configured. If this behavior doesn't fit your workflow, the best practice is to define clear rules in your manager (Lightroom, Capture One, etc.) or export with Google Takeout when you need bulk batches.
More news on Google Photos
This new version 2.4.0.138833446 (almost nothing) of Google Photos It's not solely about RAW file compatibility. Now, You can search within albums using face detection. and view collections based on who appears in them, an improvement for finding images of specific people in seconds.
Added to this is a updated editor More comprehensive (and simpler) for adjusting variables such as exposure, contrast, and white balance. Plus, they're coming 12 new filters with automatic adjustments. Some advanced features such as Portrait light, Focus photo, Magic eraser or Audio draft They are available on compatible Pixel models with minimal memory requirements, so they may not appear on all devices.
In terms of capture, Google is expanding the RAW compatibility via CameraXnot only because of the Camera2 API. This means that more apps, including social onesThey will be able to offer high-quality RAW images on mobile phones that previously relied on professional apps, reducing barriers for creators and enthusiasts.
RAW on Android, Windows and Mac: Open and edit with confidence
Beyond Google Photos, remember that Windows may require codecs to preview RAW files in your Photos app; on macOS, Preview usually opens most formats without installing anything, and on Android Google Photos allows you to view many RAW files. although the deep editing It is best to perform it using specialized software..
Tools like Lightroom, Photoshop, or Luminar Neo offer fine control over exposure, white balance, color, and dynamic range, taking advantage of the fact that RAW files retain all the sensor data. If you're going to edit from Google Photos, define your default RAW editor to send the files to the environment where you work most comfortably. For those seeking professional results, it's also helpful to review guides on professional photos taken with a mobile phone.
If you need to share without loss, the feature of QuickShare (formerly Nearby) transfers the original file, including RAW, and is faster in the same WiFi networkAvoid messaging that compresses images and consider the extra weight of DNG files when planning your shipment.
Google Photos continues to advance in RAW support and organization and editing tools. While JPEG+RAW merging and automatic backup of both files may require adjustments to your workflow, improvements to search, the built-in editor, and the ability to open RAW files to more cameras and apps via CameraX are significant. reinforce their role as a nerve center for your photos on your mobile.
