How Google Photos Handles RAW Images: Previews and Storage

Google Photos: If you've ever wondered whether Google Photos uses compressed formats for previews of your RAW images, you're in the right place. This article will explore how Google Photos handles RAW images, focusing on the preview process and storage options.

Understanding RAW Image Handling in Google Photos

When you upload RAW files to Google Photos, the service generates a compressed preview version typically in JPEG format. This quick, accessible preview allows for easy viewing and sharing without waiting for the full RAW file to load. The original RAW files remain intact and can be downloaded or edited using compatible software.

The JPEG Preview Process

Google Photos employs advanced image processing techniques to create high-quality JPEG previews from RAW images. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of this process:

Once the RAW file is uploaded to the service, Google Photos quickly processes it. The compression algorithm converts the full-resolution, unprocessed RAW data into a JPEG format that balances quality and file size. The compressed JPEG preview is then displayed in the app, ensuring users can view their images almost instantly. The original RAW file is stored in a secure database, preserving the raw data for future editing or use in specific circumstances.

Storage Requirements for RAW Images in Google Photos

Google Photos imposes certain restrictions to ensure efficient and secure storage. Here are the key requirements:

File Size Limits

Photos larger than 75 MB or 100MP will not be backed up. Videos larger than 10 GB will not be backed up. Very small files (less than 256 x 256) will not be backed up.

Supported File Types

Photos: JPEG, PNG, WebP, and some RAW files.

Videos: MPG, MOD, MMV, TOD, WMV, ASF, AVI, DIVX, MOV, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, MP4, M2T, M2TS, MTS, and MKV files.

RAW Files:

Canon: EOS (1Ds Mark II, 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark IV, 1Dx, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 6D, 7D, 7D Mark II, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, 70D, 100D, Kiss X7, Rebel SL1, 350D, Kiss Digital N, Digital Rebel XT, 400D, Kiss Digital X, Digital Rebel XTi, 450D, Kiss X2, Rebel XSi, 500D, Kiss X3, Rebel T1i, 550D, Kiss X4, Rebel T2i, 600D, Kiss X5, Rebel T3i, 650D, Kiss X6i, Rebel T4i, 700D, Kiss X7i, Rebel T5i, 750D, Kiss X8i, Rebel T6i, 1000D, Kiss F, Rebel XS, 1100D, Kiss X50, Rebel T3, Rebel T6, 760D, Rebel T6) MnPowerShot: G1X, G7X, G12, G16, S100 Fuji: NX100 Nikon: 1AW1, 1J1, 1J2, 1J3, 1J4, 1S1, 1S2, 1V1, 1V2, 1V3, D3, D3X, D4, D4S, D40, D4, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D800E, D810, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D7000, D7100, D7200, Df, Coolpix: A, P7800 Olympus: E-M1, E-M5, E-M10, E-P1, E-P2, E-P3, E-P5, E-PL3, E-PL5, E-PL7, OM-D E-M5 Mark II Panasonic: CM1, FZ300, G70, GF1, GF3, GF5, GF7, GH3, GH4, GM1, GM5, GX1, GX8, LX5, LX7, LX100 Sony: A7, A7R, A7S, A7 Mark II, A55, A58, A65, A77, A77 Mark II, A99, A700, A3000, A5000, A5100, A6000, QX1, NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-6, NEX-7, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, RX1, RX1R, RX10, RX10 Mark II, RX100, RX100 Mark II, RX100 Mark III, RX100 Mark IV DNG Files: All .dng files

Why Use JPEG Previews?

Compresing RAW images into JPEGs has several benefits:

Quick Viewing: Users can preview their photos instantly without waiting for the entire RAW file to be processed. Cloud-Friendly: Smaller JPEG files take up less storage space, making it easier to back up and store large collections of photos and videos. Mobile Optimization: The JPEG format is widely supported across various devices, ensuring compatibility and ease of use on smartphones and tablets.

Conclusion

Google Photos manages RAW images efficiently by generating compressed JPEG previews. This approach ensures that users can quickly access and share their photos while preserving the original RAW data for future editing or specific use cases. Understanding how Google Photos handles RAW images can help you make the most of this powerful photo storage service.