Convert RAF to AVIF on Mac

Select the RAF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose AVIF and press Return. FileFlip saves each AVIF next to its original and works without an internet connection.

Coming soon for MacComing soon · macOS 14 Sonoma or later
Example: IMG_4021.HEIC selected in Finder with FileFlip open next to it, suggesting JPEG, PNG and AVIF, with TIFF, PDF, GIF and ICNS under Other formats.

How to convert RAF to AVIF with FileFlip

  1. Select the RAF files

    In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.

  2. Press ⌥ F

    FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from RAF. Type “AVIF” to jump to it.

  3. Choose AVIF and press Return

    The AVIF files appear next to the originals. To make them smaller first, press ⇥ and lower the quality or size.

RAF and AVIF

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. AVIF makes some of the smallest image files available, which is ideal for websites.

What changes when you convert

  • AVIF can store the image either lossy or lossless.
  • A raw file is unprocessed sensor data. Converting develops it into a finished image, so keep the RAF if you may want to edit it later.
RAF compared with AVIF
PropertyRAFAVIF
Full nameFujifilm RAWAV1 Image File Format
Made byFujifilmAlliance for Open Media
CompressionUnprocessed sensor data, lossless or lightly compressedLossy or lossless (AV1)
Best forEditing photos with the most room for adjustmentsSmall, high-quality images on the web
Opens inRaw editors such as Lightroom, plus Photos and Preview when macOS supports the camera modelCurrent versions of Chrome, Firefox and Safari; macOS 13 and later; many apps can’t open it yet
File extension.raf.avif
In FileFlipOpensOpens 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.

Terminal

The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.

sips -s format avif DSC_0001.raf \
  --out DSC_0001.avif

Built into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.

Questions about RAF and AVIF

Does converting RAF to AVIF lose quality?

AVIF can store the image either lossy or lossless.

Can I convert many RAF files at once?

Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose AVIF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.

Should I keep the RAF 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 AVIF file saved?

Next to the original, with the same name and the .avif extension. The RAF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.

Can I convert AVIF back to RAF?

No. FileFlip opens RAF 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