The Nikon RAW Codec was designed to be a utility module that will enable you to handle RAW image files (.NEF: Nikon Electronic Format) with the same ease as JPEG or TIFF images.

RAW camera file support has changed in recent years with each camera manufacturer typically offering a RAW codec to allow support for their RAW camera file within a Windows environment.

Nikon has released a NEF RAW Codec to allow Windows support for NEF (RAW) files. With each new update to an operating system or new Nikon camera, it may also become necessary to update this codec file to add support. Just search for "Nikon Raw Codec" in your internet browser to check for updates.

Nikon NEF RAW file conversion (TIFF-16bit, TIFF-8bit, JPEG) may be performed within View NX software, free for download, or for advanced editing options, we recommend Capture NX 2, available as a 60-day trial, or for purchase from your local Authorized Nikon dealer, or from the Nikon Mall.

Previous versions of Nikon program used a Nikon NEF (RAW) Plugin

Since support for RAW files from different camera manufacturers has evolved somewhat, current versions of Nikon program no longer install a NEF(RAW) Plugin for third party program applications. We recommend contacting the program company for compatibility with newer cameras and applications.

.NEF files using the NEF (RAW) plug-in, which was installed when Nikon program was installed (View, Nikon Capture or PictureProject ), saw the list of instructions in the header section of the file and processed the file opened in Adobe Photoshop (see image on right ). This allowed the white balance and exposure compensation to be performed to the RAW data contained in the .NEF file before the image is opened in Adobe Photoshop.

Most users preferred this method. If the Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in is installed after Nikon program has been installed the Nikon NEF plugin will still be used to open NEF files in preference to the Adobe Plug-in. Current versions of Nikon program do not install this plugin, as RAW support has changed during the last few years.

Some users prefer to use Adobe Photoshop's built-in RAW conversion option. If your version of Adobe Photoshop supports RAW conversion simply remove the Nikon NEF Plugin found in the Nikon View, Nikon Capture or PictureProject folder. Be aware that any changes in the NEF (performed in any Nikon program application) will be ignored by Adobe Photoshop and that it is impossible to save changes back into the NEF from Adobe Photoshop. Check the Adobe Support Site to ensure compatibility with your Nikon Camera.

SoftSea.com had fully tested and uploaded the install files, Nikon RAW Codec does not contain any adware or spyware, the latest version is 1.10.0, you can download this software (34.15 MB) from special server of SoftSea.com.

The license of this software is Freeware, you can free download and free use this image utility software.