NEF File
Did your computer fail to open a NEF file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .NEF files.
What is a NEF file?
A .NEF file is a Nikon Raw Image file. NEF is an acronym for Nikon Electronic Format. Files that contain the .nef file extension are normally used by Nikon digital SLR cameras.
The files that are captured by the Nikon cameras are raw image files. These files can then be transferred from the Nikon camera to a user's computer when a user wants to edit the images they have taken with the camera.
The NEF file contains the image data in the same way that it was captured by the CCD detector located inside the Nikon camera. NEF files are uncompressed, editable files that can be adjusted with image editing software.
How to open NEF files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with extension NEF for different purposes. We have identified 2 NEF openers for Windows that is compatible with this specific type of NEF file.
Programs that open NEF files
 | ACDSee | Verified |
 | Able RAWer | Verified |
Suggest another file format using extension NEF
While we know of one file format using the .NEF file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .NEF file.
Various NEF file openers, viewers, etc.
These apps are known to open certain types of NEF files. Remember, different programs may use NEF files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Free File Viewer | User submitted |
 | Pixillion Image Converter | User submitted |
 | Photo Gallery | User submitted |
 | Adobe Photoshop | User submitted |
 | Nero BackItUp | User submitted |
 | Picasa Photo Viewer | User submitted |
 | PhotoPad Image Editor | User submitted |
 | Capture NX | User submitted |
 | Honeyview | User submitted |
 | Ashampoo Photo Commander | User submitted |
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