Convert RAW to JPG on Windows: 3 Methods

Clients and listing portals want JPEG. You shoot CR2, NEF, DNG, or ARW and edit in RAW for latitude. Delivery is a separate export at the right dimensions and quality. Keep ingest read-only and write proofs to a deliverables folder.

Keep the RAW master

Never overwrite RAW when exporting. For post-export sizing, see how to compress images on Windows .

Method 1: Export JPEG from Photos

Best for: Windows 11 Photos when the camera RAW opens cleanly.

1. Open the RAW files in Photos.
2. Select images, then … → Save as (or export when available).
3. Choose JPEG at high quality into deliverables\jpeg\.

If Photos shows a blank preview for CR3 or another proprietary format, install the camera maker’s codec pack or use Lightroom for that shoot.

Limitation: Importing hundreds of card files only to export JPEG is slower than a Lightroom recipe.

Method 2: Lightroom or camera export

Best for: Every camera RAW and repeatable client recipes.

1. Import RAW with your usual edit preset.
2. Export → JPEG, quality 80 to 95.
3. Set long edge (for example 3000 px for listings, 2400 px for web).
4. Use sRGB unless print asked otherwise.

Name export recipes after the portal (“MLS 3000 sRGB high”) so assistants do not guess on rush jobs.

Limitation: Heavier than Photos for a single casual file.

Method 3: Resize exported JPEG with FFmpeg

Best for: Delivery sizing after demosaic, not for developing RAW.

winget install --id Gyan.FFmpeg -e
mkdir web
Get-ChildItem deliverables\*.jpg | ForEach-Object {
 ffmpeg -i $_.FullName -vf scale=3000:-2 -q:v 3 "web\$($_.BaseName).jpg"
}

Spot-check white balance and sharpening on three frames before uploading the whole set. You cannot recover clipped highlights from the JPEG later.

Limitation: FFmpeg does not demosaic camera RAW. Export JPEG from Photos or Lightroom first.

Which method should you use

When Photos or Lightroom is enough

Photos or Lightroom can work when one export already matches portal width and quality.

GetCompress does not develop RAW. After JPEG exists, it fits recurring delivery: max width, quality presets, and a local batch for the proof folder. It does not replace Lightroom. For mixed PNG and JPEG handoffs, see PNG to JPG on Windows .