RAW is a file format for digital image files that stores uncompressed and unprocessed data directly from the sensor of a digital camera. Unlike the JPEG format, which represents a compressed and lossy image, a RAW file is like a digital negative that contains the maximum amount of image information.

RAW files can be edited in image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom without quality loss due to repeated compressions. Adjustments to white balance, contrast, brightness, saturation, and sharpness, as well as exposure and color space adjustments, can be made to RAW files without compromising image quality.

However, RAW files also have disadvantages, such as higher storage requirements and longer processing times. They typically require specialized software for editing and converting to a standardized image format like JPEG or TIFF, which is suitable for sharing or publishing on the internet or in printed form.