# dcraw

> Decoding raw digital photos in Linux

**Wikidata**: [Q1152194](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1152194)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dcraw)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dcraw

## Summary
dcraw is a free software application designed to decode raw digital photos in Linux. It was created by Dave Coffin and first released in 1997. The software supports various raw image formats and is widely used for converting raw files into more common formats like TIFF or Netpbm.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: dcraw was first released on February 23, 1997.
- **Creator**: Developed by Dave Coffin.
- **Primary Use**: Decoding raw image formats into standard formats.
- **Operating Systems**: Primarily runs on Linux but also supports Microsoft Windows and macOS.
- **License**: Distributed under both donationware and the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- **Latest Version**: Version 9.28 (as of June 1, 2018).
- **File Formats**: Supports the Digital Negative (DNG) file format family and QuickTake format.
- **Output Formats**: Can convert raw files to TIFF and Netpbm formats.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Canon PowerShot Converter and Raw Photo Decoder.
- **Package Availability**: Available as a package in various Linux distributions, including Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, and Arch Linux.

## FAQs
### Q: What is dcraw used for?
A: dcraw is used to decode and convert raw digital photos into standard formats like TIFF or Netpbm, making them easier to edit and share.

### Q: Is dcraw free to use?
A: Yes, dcraw is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, and is also available as donationware.

### Q: Which operating systems does dcraw support?
A: dcraw primarily runs on Linux but also supports Microsoft Windows and macOS.

### Q: What file formats does dcraw support?
A: dcraw supports the Digital Negative (DNG) file format family and QuickTake format for decoding raw images.

### Q: How do I install dcraw on Linux?
A: dcraw is available as a package in many Linux distributions, including Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, and Arch Linux, and can be installed using the package manager of your distribution.

## Why It Matters
dcraw plays a crucial role in the photography and digital imaging community by providing a reliable and free tool for decoding raw image files. Raw files capture more data than standard JPEG files, allowing photographers to have greater control over post-processing. However, raw files require specialized software to decode and convert them into a usable format. dcraw fills this gap by offering a robust and accessible solution for Linux users. Its ability to handle various raw formats and convert them into common formats like TIFF or Netpbm makes it an essential tool for photographers and developers alike. By being freely available under open-source licenses, dcraw also promotes transparency and collaboration within the digital imaging community.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Contribution**: dcraw is a notable open-source project that has been widely adopted and integrated into various Linux distributions.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: While primarily designed for Linux, dcraw also supports Microsoft Windows and macOS, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- **Raw Image Decoding**: dcraw is recognized for its ability to decode and convert raw image files into standard formats, which is a critical function for photographers.
- **Community-Driven Development**: The software has been developed and maintained by the photography community, ensuring it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest raw image formats.
- **Donationware Model**: dcraw uses a donationware model, which allows users to support the developer while still accessing the software for free.

## Body
### Overview
dcraw is a free software application developed by Dave Coffin, first released on February 23, 1997. It is designed to decode raw digital photos, which are captured by digital cameras in their unprocessed form. Raw files contain more data than standard JPEG files, allowing photographers to have greater control over post-processing. However, raw files require specialized software to decode and convert them into a usable format.

### Functionality
dcraw supports the Digital Negative (DNG) file format family and QuickTake format for decoding raw images. It can convert these raw files into standard formats like TIFF and Netpbm, making them easier to edit and share. The software is widely used by photographers and developers who need to work with raw image files.

### Availability and Installation
dcraw is available as a package in various Linux distributions, including Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, and Arch Linux. It can be installed using the package manager of the respective distribution. The software is also available for Microsoft Windows and macOS, making it accessible to a broader audience.

### Licensing and Support
dcraw is distributed under both donationware and the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. This dual licensing model allows users to freely use and modify the software while also providing an option to support the developer through donations. The software has been developed and maintained by the photography community, ensuring its relevance and up-to-date support for the latest raw image formats.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "dcraw",
  "description": "A free software application for decoding raw digital photos in Linux.",
  "url": "https://dechifro.org/dcraw/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15241312", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dcraw"],
  "applicationCategory": ["Photography", "File Converter"],
  "operatingSystem": ["Linux", "Microsoft Windows", "macOS"],
  "license": ["GNU General Public License, version 2.0", "donationware"],
  "datePublished": "1997-02-23",
  "softwareVersion": "9.28",
  "fileFormat": ["Digital Negative file format family", "QuickTake format"],
  "additionalType": "FreeSoftware"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/)
2. [Source](https://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/dcraw.c)
3. [Source](http://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/dcraw.c)
4. [Source](http://www.centrostudiprogressofotografico.it/en/dcraw)
5. [Source](https://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/msdos/)
6. [Source](https://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/archive/)
7. [Source](https://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/RCS/dcraw.c,v)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](http://wiki.opf-labs.org/display/TR/QuickTake)
10. [Source](http://www.cybercom.net/~dcoffin/dcraw/dcraw.1.html)