'Best' depends on what you're looking for in post-processing software, but a few of the more popular open source packages you could look at using would be: The GIMP with dcraw. The GIMP is the open-source alternative to Photoshop, and has a very deep and sophisticated feature set, with quite a bit more control than you could find in Picasa. Nikon Electronic Format Camera RAW Image files were originally developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated for the Adobe Photoshop Elements software application. Internal website statistics show that NEF files are most popular with users in Romania.
Files with nef file extension can be mostly found as raw images saved in Nikon Electronic Format that is featured in all digital cameras and other devices produced by Nikon.
There is one other file type using
the NEF file extension!
.nef - Nero BackItUp encrypted data
Software that open nef file
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NEF file extension- Nikon Digital SLR camera RAW image
What is nef file? How to open nef files?
File type specification:
nef file icon:
The nef file extension is mainly used for Nikon Electronic Format which is primarily associated with the Nikon Digital SLR Camera raw images.
The nef file is a raw image format created by Nikon digital cameras and DSLRs. Raw images are basically the data as it comes directly from the CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor in the camera without any correction and image processing. Data is stored in 12-bit or 14-bit format.
Updated: March 6, 2020
The default software associated to open nef file:
Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation
ViewNX is an easy tool to view JPEG, TIFF and NEF files, and edit or convert NEF/RAW files. Integrates with Capture NX to adjust white balance and exposure in the browser.
This product is not available as individual sale, it is available on CD bundled together with Nikon digital cameras.
Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation
Nikon Capture is image processing and editing software distributed with Nikon digital cameras and used to edit digital photos from Nikon digital cameras and SLR cameras. It is able to open many picture file formats as well as Nikon RAW picture file formats.
In July 2014 Nikon has released a new software Capture NX-D and desupported Capture NX 2.
Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation
Nikon Capture is image processing and editing software distributed with Nikon digital cameras and used to edit digital photos from Nikon digital cameras and SLR cameras. It is able to open many picture file formats as well as Nikon RAW picture file formats.
In July 2014 Nikon has released a new software Capture NX-D and discontinued Capture NX 2.
Company or developer:
Nikon Corporation
ViewNX is an easy tool to view JPEG, TIFF and NEF files, and edit or convert NEF/RAW files. Integrates with Capture NX to adjust white balance and exposure in the browser.
This product is not available as individual sale, it is available on CD bundled together with Nikon digital cameras.
Related articles:
Help how to open:
NEF file format is supported by many bitmap editors and picture viewers, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, ACDSee or XnView. Also Nikon bundles ViewNX and Capnture NX-D photo management software together with their products.
How to convert:
Bitmap editors like Adobe Photoshop or its clones, bitmap viewers (ACDSee or XnView) or photo management software like Adobe Ligtroom very often offer conversion support between bitmap file formats. You can use them to convert and resize the .nef files to another image format - most often to jpg.
Find conversions from nef file:
Find converter to nef file type:
File identification strings:
HEX code: 4D 4D 00 2A 00 00 00 08 00
ASCII code: MM *
List of software applications associated to the .nef file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open nef file, edit nef file, convert nef file, view nef file, play nef file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting nef files.
Software that open nef file - Nikon Digital SLR camera RAW image
Programs supporting the exension nef on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open nef file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Open Source Software Nef File On Mac Download
Main software associated with nef file by default:
ViewNX
Nikon Capture NX-D
Nikon Capture NX-D for Mac
ViewNX for Mac
Other suggested software:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Zoner Photo Studio
Adobe Photoshop
ArcSoft PhotoStudio
HDR Darkroom
PhotoFiltre Studio
Corel PaintShop Pro
ACDSee Photo Manager
FastPictureViewer Professional
Apple macOS / Mac OS X:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for Mac
Adobe Photoshop for Mac
Apple Aperture