DNG is a universal format for storing and accessing images. Find out more about the history of the DNG file format, what you can use it for, and how different camera manufacturers have embraced the need for change.
DNG means Digital Negative. It’s a type of raw file format used in digital photography, developed on the TIFF 6.0 format. With an abundance of different cameras and editing software on the market, file compatibility has proven a challenge for photographers when sharing and developing their work. The creation of DNG files gives photographers greater control over their images and allows digital camera manufacturers to work to a consistent, open standard.
A DNG file stores uncompressed image data on digital cameras from numerous manufacturers, allowing users to store, share and edit their work without hitting compatibility barriers.
Before the launch of the DNG file, different camera manufacturers — and occasionally different camera models — used their own proprietary technologies to capture RAW images.
This gave photographers a headache because their files were often incompatible with editing software. Sometimes, they even lost their photographs if they hadn’t transferred their images before the file types became incompatible with new technology.
Adobe launched the Digital Negative Specification in 2004 to encourage camera makers to standardise the file types used and shared by photographers. Today, tech giants such as Apple, Google and Samsung support the format.
A DNG file stores uncompressed image data on your camera, ready for post-processing in a variety of image editing software programmes. The files themselves are slightly smaller than other RAW file types, saving room in storage and time in transferring to your hard drive.
So far, so good - but why should or shouldn’t you use DNG files in your day-to-day photography?
Like other raw files, you can open DNG images using some of the most common photo viewing applications.
Use your normal photo viewing software to call up DNG files on Windows or Mac, such as Microsoft Photos, Apple Photos and Apple Previews.
Open a DNG file in Adobe Photoshop by selecting the File menu, then Open. To save as a DNG file once you’ve finished editing, go back to the File menu and select Save.
You can return to edit the image at any time — just open Photoshop, select the File menu and then Open to locate the DNG file in your file explorer window.
A DNG retains its quality — provided it’s in a DNG format. Unlike file types such as JPEG, which compress files, there’s no compression involved in creating a DNG file, so there’s no process that might cut out important data within the image itself.
A DNG file saves the adjustments you’ve made to any photos, which you can then copy and apply to other photos in your library. Check out our guide to getting the most out of Lightroom.
DNG and RAW files are similar in that they are both versions of raw image files. However, DNG is stored in a format that’s compatible with most editing software and the file sizes tend to be smaller than RAW.
You can’t convert an Adobe DNG file into a different RAW image format. But if you decided to embed the original raw file within the DNG file, you can extract it using Adobe’s DNG Converter (for Windows, for Mac).
In addition to the standard photo apps on Windows and Mac, you can open DNG files using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Photoshop Elements. Google Photos also supports the DNG file type.
Get to know all about RAW files and the pros and cons of working with unprocessed image data.
Learn more about JPEGs - the go-to file format for many photographers and publishers.
Find out the advantages and disadvantages of working with the TIFFs - the flexible, high-quality and almost universally compatible file format.
Discover how PNG files, widely renowned for their colour options and capabilities, can store high levels of image data and detail.
Which is better for capturing raw footage? What’s the more commonly accepted file format? Find out more.
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