Viewing RAW Files

One of the frustration of working with RAW files, on my MacBook anyway, has been finding a fast viewer to show them as they should really look while deciding which ones are worth processing. Some applications can handle them but show a somewhat inferior jpg interpretation of the picture. Also they tend to be ponderous or one has to drag each file separately to the app. I have Canon's own software but is is so s-l-o-w and drives the CPU fan crazy while it chugs away.

I went searching for a suitable app and came across FastRawViewer and installed the 30 day fully working trial.  Superb. Point it at a folder of RAW files and they are loaded in a flash. Thumbnails at the bottom and you can jump from photo to photo in an instant.



The main purpose of FastRawViewer is to help in deciding which photos are worth keeping. Unwanted photos can be sent to a _Rejected folder in the same folder as the photos. From there they can be sent to the trash as normal at a later time.

The app can work with a vast range of RAW files from a whole host of cameras. Another useful attribute is its ability to link to a RAW processing app. In my case I linked it to Affinity Photo so when I have chosen a photo to work on it is loaded in Affinity Photo without having to exit FastRawViewer. There is more to the app than I have detailed here. Have a look at their web site HERE if you are interested. It is not expensive to purchase and is available in Windows and Mac variations. Normally £18.99 but with 25% off for a few more days.