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DNG vs JPEG: editing source or viewing copy
DNG is an open format for camera raw information. JPEG is widely used to view and share rendered images.
Which format should you choose?
Choose a supported DNG for raw-based reprocessing, or JPEG to distribute a checked final rendering.
Good fit for Digital Negative
Storing developing and archiving camera raw images · Converting camera-specific raw files into a format supported by more software
- Adjusting white balance and tone after capture
- Moving camera data and metadata between RAW-capable applications
Good fit for JPEG
Photographs · Web images
- Photographs intended for compact sharing
- Images with many colors
Basic information
| Field | Digital Negative | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .dng | .jpg, .jpeg |
| MIME type | image/x-adobe-dng | image/jpeg |
| Common uses | Storing developing and archiving camera raw images · Converting camera-specific raw files into a format supported by more software | Photographs · Web images |
| How to open | Open it in Adobe Camera Raw or another DNG-capable photo editor or raw processor. To verify color and shooting information, check that the software supports the camera and profiles used. | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open JPEG files. |
| Export or convert | When converting a camera maker's raw file to DNG, keep the original and verify metadata, color, and pixel data. For viewing or sharing, develop the image and export to JPEG, TIFF, or another suitable format. | Exporting JPEG to PNG or WebP cannot restore data already removed by JPEG compression. Keep an original editing file, and use a proper export command rather than changing only the filename extension. |
Choose by use case
Adjusting white balance and tone after capture
Storing developing and archiving camera raw images · Converting camera-specific raw files into a format supported by more software
Digital NegativeMoving camera data and metadata between RAW-capable applications
Storing developing and archiving camera raw images · Converting camera-specific raw files into a format supported by more software
Digital NegativePhotographs intended for compact sharing
Photographs · Web images
JPEGImages with many colors
Photographs · Web images
JPEGKey point 1
DNG requires checking raw-processing software, camera, and profile support.
More on the differencesKey point 2
JPEG edits already processed pixels; it does not replace raw information.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Keep editing sources separate from viewing copies. DNG data and compression depend on how it was created; the extension does not guarantee unprocessed or lossless data, or preservation of every proprietary raw feature.
- An embedded DNG preview may differ from a fresh rendering. Check processing in the recipient’s app and include required settings and profiles.
- Check JPEG export dimensions, quality, color space, and metadata such as location. Avoid repeated recompression and do not overwrite original images.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting JPEG to DNG recover raw information?
No. Changing the container cannot restore capture or pixel information lost when the JPEG was created.