Converting your RAW files to DNG is worth it if you want one standardised, future-proof format for a mixed-brand photo library — DNG is an open, documented standard, so your archive stays readable even if a camera maker's software is discontinued. If you shoot a single brand and always keep the original files, it's optional.
What is DNG?
DNG (Digital Negative) is Adobe's open RAW format — a documented standard that isn't tied to any one camera brand. Unlike a proprietary CR2 or NEF, which depends on the manufacturer's software to stay readable, DNG is public and widely supported. Many phones (including iPhone ProRAW) and drones shoot it directly.
Why archive RAW as DNG?
- One standardised format for a library shot on several camera brands.
- Open and documented, so it stays readable long-term — proprietary RAW formats can be orphaned when a vendor drops support.
- Often smaller than the original proprietary RAW, with no loss of editing data.
- Can embed a validation checksum, so you can detect if an archived file has become corrupted.
What are the downsides?
Some manufacturer-specific editing data or in-camera settings may not carry across into a DNG, and it's a converted copy rather than the camera's original file. It's also an extra processing step. For most people the trade is worth it only if long-term archiving or mixed-brand consistency actually matters to them.
Should you convert or keep the original RAW?
The safest approach is to keep your original RAW as the master and, if you manage many camera brands or want long-term peace of mind, keep DNG copies for the archive. If you shoot one brand and back up your originals reliably, you may not need DNG at all. For how the formats compare, see RAW vs JPG vs DNG.
How do you create a DNG?
To convert RAW files into DNG, use the free Adobe DNG Converter or Lightroom — that's the standard tool for building a DNG archive. When you instead need to view or share a DNG (including an iPhone ProRAW shot), convert DNG to JPG in your browser — nothing is uploaded, so the file never leaves your device. For the full picture, see the RAW photo formats guide.