How do I save NEF files as JPEG?

NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) is the raw image format used by Nikon digital cameras. NEF files contain minimally processed data directly from the image sensor, allowing for greater flexibility when editing photos compared to JPEG files. However, JPEGs are a more universal format that can be easily viewed, shared and printed. Here’s how to convert your NEF files to JPEGs.

Why Save NEF Files as JPEG

There are several reasons you may want to convert your Nikon NEF files to JPEGs:

• To share photos online or via email – JPEGs are a standard image format readable across all devices.
• To print photos – Most printers accept JPEGs directly whereas NEFs would need conversion first.
• To edit in other software – Some editing software may not accept NEFs but can work with JPEGs.
• To save space – JPEG files are smaller than NEFs due to compression.

The trade off is that JPEGs are lossy files meaning some image quality and data is discarded during compression. NEF files are lossless and contain all image data captured. Converting to JPEG will “lock” edits into the image, so it’s recommended to first process NEFs before exporting final JPEGs.

How to Convert NEF to JPEG on Windows PC

Using Nikon Software (ViewNX-i)

Nikon’s own ViewNX-i software is a free option for converting NEF files to JPEG on a Windows computer:

1. Download and install ViewNX-i from Nikon’s website if you don’t already have it.
2. Open ViewNX-i and click the “Import NIKON Folder” button to import your NEF files.
3. Select the NEF files you want to convert.
4. Click “Convert Files” in the right panel.
5. Set the output location and file type as JPEG.
6. Adjust output size and quality if desired.
7. Click “Convert”

ViewNX-i provides full control over JPEG settings but only basic editing tools for NEF processing.

Using Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom classic is popular software for managing and editing raw files from many camera brands including NEF. Here’s how to convert NEF to JPEG in Lightroom:

1. Import your NEF photos into the Lightroom catalog if not already added.
2. Select the NEF images you want to convert.
3. Go to File > Export to bring up export settings.
4. Choose file type as JPEG.
5. Select desired quality level.
6. Enable output sharpening for best results.
7. Choose desired metadata options.
8. Pick export location on disk.
9. Click “Export” to convert and save JPEG copies.

Lightroom provides powerful raw processing tools to get photos looking their best before exporting JPEGs.

Using Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the industry leading photo editing software. Here is one way to convert NEFs using Photoshop:

1. Open your NEF file in Photoshop (File > Open).
2. Make any desired edits to the NEF raw data.
3. Go to File > Export > Export As to open export dialog.
4. Select JPEG for the file format.
5. Adjust export quality level if desired.
6. Select desired metadata options.
7. Pick export location on disk.
8. Click “Export” to save JPEG version.

Photoshop provides the most extensive toolset for processing NEF files before conversion but requires paid subscription.

Using Other Raw Software

There are various other raw processing programs that support working with Nikon NEF files and exporting as JPEGs including:

• RawTherapee
• Luminar
• On1 Photo RAW
• Affinity Photo
• DxO PhotoLab
• Phase One Capture One

The steps involved are generally similar – import NEFs, process/edit images, then export JPEGs. Some software may offer nicer interfaces or more specialized tools suited to your workflow.

How to Convert NEF to JPEG on Mac

Using Preview

Preview is Apple’s basic image viewer included for free on all Macs. Here is how to use it for NEF to JPEG conversion:

1. Open Preview and go to File > Open to select your NEF.
2. Go to Tools > Adjust Color to open editing controls.
3. Make any desired adjustments to exposure, contrast etc.
4. Go to File > Export to bring up export dialog.
5. Choose JPEG for file format.
6. Select desired quality level.
7. Pick export location and hit save.

Preview offers limited controls for processing NEFs but is handy for quick exports.

Using Image Capture

Image Capture is included for free on all Macs for transferring photos. It can also do basic NEF to JPEG conversion:

1. Connect your camera or insert memory card.
2. Open Image Capture and choose your device.
3. Select the NEF images you want to convert.
4. Go to Image > Export.
5. Select JPEG for format.
6. Adjust settings if desired.
7. Choose export location.
8. Hit Export to convert and save JPEGs.

Like Preview, Image Capture offers limited processing power over NEF files.

Using Adobe Lightroom

Lightroom works similarly on Mac and Windows so see earlier steps for details. It provides powerful raw processing and export tools for managing NEF conversion.

Using Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop also works the same on Mac and Windows. Refer to earlier section for how to use it for NEF to JPEG conversion.

Other Raw Software

There are Mac versions of various specialized raw processing programs like:

• RawTherapee
• Affinity Photo
• DxO PhotoLab
• Phase One Capture One

These provide additional raw development tools before exporting into JPEG format.

Convert NEF to JPEG on iPhone/iPad

Here are some ways to convert Nikon NEF files into JPEGs right on your iPhone or iPad:

Using Lightroom Mobile

Adobe Lightroom Mobile is the iOS version of Lightroom ideal for working with raw files. To convert NEFs:

1. Import your NEF files into Lightroom Mobile.
2. Make any desired edits.
3. Tap the Share icon in top right.
4. Choose JPEG as the file format.
5. Adjust export settings as needed.
6. Choose Save To Camera Roll to export JPEG to your device photos.

Using Photoshop for iPad

Photoshop for iPad allows sophisticated editing of NEF files. To export JPEGs:

1. Open your NEF file in Photoshop.
2. Edit the image as desired.
3. Tap the Share icon at the top.
4. Choose JPEG as the format.
5. Adjust export settings if needed.
6. Tap Export to save JPEG to device storage.

Using RAW Power

RAW Power is a specialized iOS app for processing raw camera files. To convert NEF to JPEG:

1. Import your NEFs into RAW Power.
2. Edit and enhance images as needed.
3. Tap the Share button in the upper right.
4. Choose JPEG as the file type.
5. Select desired export options.
6. Tap “Export” and choose Camera Roll destination.

Using Snapseed

While Snapseed doesn’t directly open NEF files, you can convert NEFs to DNG raw format first using an app like RAW by Aviary, then open and process in Snapseed. Finally export JPEG versions to your camera roll.

Convert NEF to JPEG on Android

There are also various apps to convert Nikon NEF files on Android devices:

Using Lightroom Mobile

Lightroom Mobile works similarly on Android as on iOS. Import NEFs, edit as desired, then export JPEGs to local storage.

Using Snapseed

Snapseed for Android also can’t directly open NEF but you can use a DNG converter app first before editing and exporting JPEGs within Snapseed.

Using Adobe Photoshop Express

While Photoshop Express can’t open NEF files, you can first convert on desktop into JPEG or DNG raw, transfer to device and then edit and export processed JPEGs within the app.

Using Pixlr

Pixlr is a capable photo editor but requires that NEFs are first converted to JPEG or another supported format on desktop before opening on mobile.

Other Apps

Some other raw processing apps with NEF capability and JPEG export include:

• LightX Photo Editor
• Photo Mate R3
• Photoshop Camera Raw
• Polarr Photo Editor

Online NEF to JPEG Converters

Here are some popular free online converters able to process NEF into JPEG:

Sofortbild

Sofortbild is a browser-based raw converter supporting NEF. To use:

1. Go to sofortbildapp.com.
2. Click “Select File” and upload your NEF.
3. Adjust processing options on the right if desired.
4. Click the JPEG icon in the footer to download the conversion.

Online-Convert.com

Online-Convert has a huge range of format converters including for NEF to JPEG:

1. Go to online-convert.com.
2. Choose the file conversion service.
3. Click “Select file” and upload the NEF.
4. Click “Convert file”.
5. Wait for the JPEG to generate.
6. Click “Download” to save the JPEG.

CloudConvert

CloudConvert is another popular online file conversion site. To use it:

1. Go to cloudconvert.com.
2. Click “Select file(s)” and upload your NEF(s).
3. Set the output format as JPEG.
4. Enable any processing options if desired.
5. Click the “Convert” button.
6. When complete, click “Download” to save the JPEG.

Other Converters

Some other free online raw converters with NEF support include:

• FileZigZag
• Zamzar
• Freemake
• Convertio

Look for ones that allow NEF as input format and JPEG as output.

Conclusion

To summarize, there are a variety of options for converting Nikon NEF raw files into more shareable JPEG images on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and online platforms. Some key points:

• Nikon’s ViewNX-i and free online converters offer basic NEF to JPEG conversion.
• Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop provide powerful processing before conversion.
• Look to Lightroom Mobile and Photoshop apps for processing NEFs on mobile.
• JPEG is smaller than NEF but less editable – process NEFs first before JPEG export.

Hopefully this gives you a good overview of the different ways to handle converting Nikon NEF raw files into JPEG format for easy sharing and usage across devices and platforms.