Open DNG files
-
Full nameAdobe Digital Negative Format
-
DeveloperAdobe Systems
-
Popularity
What is DNG file?
The extension DNG marks image files in digital negative format. This royalty-free developed format is intended for the storage of raw data in digital photography.
More info
These raw data are excellent for post-processing, such as adjusting the colors, correcting the exposure, for sharpening or noise filtering. They are indispensable for professional work or things like astrophotography.
In order to convert them into an RGB image format that can be commonly used, the data must be "developed". This means that processing steps such as interpolation and exposure as well as converting to a format such as PNG, PSD, TIFF or JPEG must be performed.
However, there is no uniform raw data format. Every manufacturer has developed his own. These proprietary and often undocumented formats can only be processed by specialized software. They can contain different data, depending on both the capabilities of the sensor and the software built into the camera. Manufacturers are changing their raw formats relatively frequently, which means that program support often needs to be adjusted.
To counter this problem, DNG was developed. It is based on the TIFF standard and supports various metadata formats such as Exif, XMP and IPTC as well as ICC color profiles. A DNG contains the image data and optionally a JPEG preview. DNG supports raw raw data as well as partially processed data called Linear DNG. Some sensor types require this format.
DNG can contain various forms of raw data images and is therefore suitable for archiving and data exchange, since many graphics programs support the format. Also image sequences, which are called CinemaDNG are possible.
Some models of digital still cameras support the DNG format directly.
Programs which can open a DNG file
Windows
Linux
These raw data are excellent for post-processing, such as adjusting the colors, correcting the exposure, for sharpening or noise filtering. They are indispensable for professional work or things like astrophotography.
In order to convert them into an RGB image format that can be commonly used, the data must be "developed". This means that processing steps such as interpolation and exposure as well as converting to a format such as PNG, PSD, TIFF or JPEG must be performed.
However, there is no uniform raw data format. Every manufacturer has developed his own. These proprietary and often undocumented formats can only be processed by specialized software. They can contain different data, depending on both the capabilities of the sensor and the software built into the camera. Manufacturers are changing their raw formats relatively frequently, which means that program support often needs to be adjusted.
To counter this problem, DNG was developed. It is based on the TIFF standard and supports various metadata formats such as Exif, XMP and IPTC as well as ICC color profiles. A DNG contains the image data and optionally a JPEG preview. DNG supports raw raw data as well as partially processed data called Linear DNG. Some sensor types require this format.
DNG can contain various forms of raw data images and is therefore suitable for archiving and data exchange, since many graphics programs support the format. Also image sequences, which are called CinemaDNG are possible.
Some models of digital still cameras support the DNG format directly.
Programs which can open a DNG file
Windows
Linux
How to open file with DNG extension?
Install Apple Preview or other program from the list
Most often resolving problems with opening DNG files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DNG files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DNG files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
Set Apple Preview as the default program for opening DNG files
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate DNG files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Apple Preview applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Apple Preview has been installed.
Check the section that lists most common problems with DNG files
Sometimes problems with opening DNG files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:
- File data is corrupted
- DNG files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
- Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open DNG files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
- DNG file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)