Sharing RAW and ProRAW Photos from iPhone: A Complete Guide

If you’re shooting in RAW or Apple ProRAW on your iPhone, you’ve already taken the first step toward professional-quality mobile photography. But once you’ve captured that perfect shot, getting those massive files to collaborators, clients, or your desktop editing station can be surprisingly tricky.

What Makes RAW Files Different?

RAW files capture unprocessed sensor data directly from your iPhone’s camera. Unlike JPEG or HEIC files that apply compression and processing in-camera, RAW files preserve maximum detail and dynamic range, giving you far more flexibility when editing.

Apple ProRAW combines the benefits of RAW with Apple’s computational photography features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR. A single ProRAW image can range from 25-75 MB, while standard RAW files typically run 15-40 MB depending on your iPhone model.

For comparison, a standard HEIC photo is usually 1-3 MB. That 20-50x size difference creates real challenges when sharing.

The RAW Sharing Challenge

Three main issues make RAW sharing complicated:

File Size: A quick photoshoot can generate gigabytes of data. Traditional sharing methods struggle with files this large, especially when sharing multiple images.

Format Compatibility: Not everyone has software that can open DNG files (the format used by iPhone RAW photos). Email and messaging apps often reject or heavily compress large files.

Quality Preservation: Many cloud services and social platforms automatically convert or compress RAW files, defeating the entire purpose of shooting RAW in the first place.

Sharing Methods Compared

AirDrop

Best for: Quick transfers between Apple devices nearby

AirDrop is fast and preserves full quality, making it ideal for moving RAW files from your iPhone to your Mac. However, it only works between Apple devices in close proximity, requires both devices have AirDrop enabled, and can be unreliable with very large file batches.

How to use: Select your RAW photos in the Photos app, tap the share button, and choose AirDrop. Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

Cloud Storage Services

Best for: Personal backup and device sync

Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive can handle RAW files, but each has limitations. Free tiers offer limited storage (typically 2-15 GB), upload speeds depend heavily on your connection, and you’ll need to ensure the recipient has an account or that you’ve set sharing permissions correctly.

Photographer’s tip: Create a dedicated folder for each project to keep RAW files organized. Set up automatic camera upload only if you have sufficient storage and don’t mind the battery drain.

Email Attachments

Best for: Almost nothing with RAW files

Most email providers limit attachments to 25 MB, which means you can typically send just one ProRAW image, if that. Email is fine for sending JPEG previews, but not practical for RAW workflow.

File Transfer Apps

Best for: Sending RAW files to anyone with a link

Dedicated file transfer apps are designed specifically for sharing large files. Apps like Stash, WeTransfer, or Send Anywhere generate shareable links that anyone can use to download files without needing an account.

This approach works well because the recipient just needs a web browser, files maintain their original quality and format, and there’s no complex folder sharing or permission management.

When Should You Share RAW vs JPEG?

Not every situation calls for RAW file sharing. Here’s a quick decision guide:

Share RAW when:

• Sending files for professional editing or retouching
• Collaborating with other photographers who need editing flexibility
• Archiving your best work with maximum quality
• The recipient specifically requests unprocessed files
• Working on projects where color accuracy is critical

Share JPEG/HEIC when:

• Posting to social media or messaging apps
• The recipient just needs to view the photo, not edit it
• Quick client previews or proofs
• Sharing with people who may not have RAW-capable software
• Bandwidth or storage is limited

Converting RAW for Sharing

Sometimes you’ll want to edit your RAW files first, then share a high-quality JPEG. Here’s how:

On iPhone:

1. Open the RAW photo in the Photos app
2. Tap Edit and make your adjustments
3. Tap Done to save your edits
4. To export as JPEG: Use the share sheet and select “Options” to change format

Important: Editing a RAW photo in Photos creates a JPEG preview but keeps the original RAW file. If you want to share your edited version as a high-quality JPEG while keeping the RAW file intact, you’ll need to duplicate the photo first.

Tips for Efficient RAW Workflows

Cull before sharing: Use the Photos app to select only your best shots before sharing. There’s no reason to send 50 similar RAW files when 5 keepers will do.

Use Wi-Fi for uploads: Uploading dozens of 50 MB files over cellular will drain your battery and potentially hit data caps. Wait for Wi-Fi whenever possible.

Check storage regularly: RAW files accumulate quickly. If you’re preserving files in the cloud, monitor your storage usage and upgrade plans before you hit limits.

Include metadata: When sharing for professional work, ensure EXIF data is preserved. This includes camera settings, date/time, and location information that can be valuable for cataloging.

Communicate with recipients: Before sending RAW files, confirm the recipient can actually use them. Send one test file first if you’re unsure about compatibility.

Handling Large Batches

When you need to share an entire photoshoot:

Create collections: Group related images in the Photos app before sharing. This makes it easier to select the right batch.

Share in segments: Instead of uploading 100 files at once, break them into logical groups (by scene, by subject, etc.). This makes downloads more manageable and reduces the impact if a transfer fails.

Consider external storage: For regular RAW shooters, an external SSD connected via USB-C can be faster than any wireless transfer method.

The Bottom Line

RAW photos give you unmatched editing control, but that quality comes with legitimate file sharing challenges. The best method depends on your specific situation:

• Quick Mac transfers: AirDrop
• Personal backup: Cloud storage services
• Professional sharing: File transfer apps like Stash that maintain quality and provide simple recipient access
• Social sharing: Convert to JPEG first

For photographers serious about their iPhone work, having a reliable system for RAW file sharing is just as important as the shooting and editing workflow. Take time to find a method that fits your needs, and you’ll spend less time wrestling with file transfers and more time behind the lens.

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Ready to share your next RAW photoshoot? Stash makes it simple to upload large files directly from your iPhone and generate shareable links that work in any browser, no recipient account required.