BRAW File

What are BRAW files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BRAW file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your BRAW files.

What is a BRAW file?

A .BRAW file is a Blackmagic RAW Video file.

Blackmagic RAW Video files store high-quality raw image data recorded by Blackmagic Design digital cinema cameras. They preserve sensor data before full processing, allowing users to adjust exposure, white balance, contrast, saturation and other image parameters after recording. The format is designed for workflows that demand high dynamic range, accurate color reproduction and flexibility in post production.

The format is created by Blackmagic Design cameras and encoded using their Blackmagic RAW codec. It supports both constant bitrate modes (e.g. 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, 18:1) to give predictable file sizes and constant quality modes (such as Q0, Q1, Q3, Q5) for preserving maximum detail on complex or low-contrast scenes. Processing is accelerated via CPU and GPU (using AVX, AVX2, Metal, CUDA or OpenCL) and part of debayering (conversion from sensor's raw color filter array to full color image) occurs in-camera to reduce load in post. Extensive metadata is embedded in the files, and sidecar JSON files may also accompany them to override or supplement internal settings.

Blackmagic RAW files are read by post production software using Blackmagic Design's free SDK, which enables consistent color science (Generation 5), support for various gammas and gamut settings, and access to frame-based metadata such as lens info, ISO, take/reel clip identifiers, tone curve settings, manufacturer/camera type and more. The same SDK also facilitates previewing, trimming clips, and embedding 3D LUTs.

Files start with specific signatures: a 64-bit marker "wide" at offset 0 ("....wide" in ASCII) and ".mdat" at offset 11. The file contains many internal identifiers such as "MDTABRAW_COMPRESSION_RATIO", "MDTACAMERA_TYPE", "MDTATONE_CURVE_CONTRAST", among others, embedded in its metadata chunks.

How to open BRAW files

Important: Different programs may use files with the BRAW file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your BRAW file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single BRAW opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of BRAW files. Remember, different programs may use BRAW files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about BRAW file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.