Convert NEF to PDF on Mac
Select the NEF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose PDF and press Return. FileFlip saves each PDF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert NEF to PDF with FileFlip
Select the NEF files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from NEF. Type “PDF” to jump to it.
Choose PDF and press Return
The PDF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The NEF files stay as they are.
NEF and PDF
Raw files are large and most apps and websites can’t show them, so they have to be developed into a regular image before sharing. A PDF looks the same on every device and is the safest way to send something to be read or printed.
What changes when you convert
- A raw file is unprocessed sensor data. Converting develops it into a finished image, so keep the NEF if you may want to edit it later.
- The image is placed on a PDF page, which is handy for sending, printing or attaching to forms.
| Property | NEF | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nikon Electronic Format | Portable Document Format |
| Made by | Nikon | Adobe; an ISO standard since 2008 |
| Best for | Editing photos with the most room for adjustments | Sharing, printing and archiving documents |
| Opens in | Raw editors such as Lightroom, plus Photos and Preview when macOS supports the camera model | Every browser, Preview, Acrobat and every phone |
| File extension | .nef | |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Preview
Open the NEF in Preview, choose File → Export, pick PDF from the Format menu and click Save. For several files, open them together, select all thumbnails in the sidebar and choose File → Export Selected Images.
Works when macOS supports your camera model.
Terminal
The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.
sips -s format pdf DSC_0001.nef \
--out DSC_0001.pdfBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about NEF and PDF
Can I convert many NEF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose PDF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Should I keep the NEF file?
Yes. The raw file holds more information than any finished image, so keep it if you may want to edit the photo again.
Where is the PDF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .pdf extension. The NEF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert PDF back to NEF?
No. FileFlip opens NEF files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole shoot at once
FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac