Make & keep
Choose the RAW original for a paired photo in Photos on Mac
Switch Photos from the paired JPEG to RAW when you need the camera’s raw capture as the editing source.
Some cameras save a RAW file and JPEG for one exposure. When Photos imports that pair, it uses the JPEG as the original by default. If you want to develop the RAW capture for a print or archive, change the source for that photo before editing or exporting.
Open the paired image
In Photos on Mac, find the imported capture and double-click it, then click Edit. Confirm that the camera supplied a RAW-and-JPEG pair; this control does not turn an ordinary JPEG into a RAW file or improve detail that was never captured. Keep the camera card or a verified backup until the import has been checked.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Set RAW as the source
In the editing view, choose Image > Use RAW as Original. Photos can then use the RAW file instead of the paired JPEG as the original. This is a per-photo choice rather than a general instruction to replace every JPEG in the library: choose it for images that benefit from the raw source and leave other captures as they are.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Check the result before export
Inspect the image after switching sources, then edit and export the version you intend to share. RAW development can look different from the camera-rendered JPEG, so compare colour, contrast, and highlights instead of assuming one is always better. Label the export separately so it remains traceable to the paired capture.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Apple Photos User Guide — Use a RAW file as the originalApple user guide