Delivering RAW Files

By creavio Team April 10, 2026 1 views

Delivering RAW Files

Some photography clients request RAW files as part of their package. Whether it's a commercial client who needs maximum editing flexibility or a wedding client who purchased a RAW add-on, creavio can handle the delivery.

Uploading RAW Files

RAW files are large, typically 25-60 MB each. Here's the most efficient way to upload them:

  1. Create a new collection or open an existing one
  2. Click Upload and select your RAW files (.CR2, .CR3, .NEF, .ARW, .RAF, .DNG, and other common formats are supported)
  3. For large batches, use the desktop uploader for reliable uploads with automatic resume if your connection drops
  4. Wait for all files to finish processing

RAW File Handling

creavio handles RAW files differently from JPEGs:

  • No compression: RAW files are stored exactly as uploaded with no quality reduction
  • Preview generation: A JPEG preview is automatically generated for each RAW file so clients can browse visually without downloading massive files
  • No web gallery display: RAW files appear as downloadable items with previews, not as inline gallery images

Delivery Options

You have several ways to deliver RAW files to clients:

  • Direct download: Client downloads individual files or selects multiple for a ZIP download
  • Full collection download: Client downloads everything at once as a single ZIP archive
  • Download link via email: Send a direct download link that expires after a set number of days

Storage Considerations

RAW files consume significantly more storage than JPEGs. A typical wedding with 800 RAW files could use 30-40 GB. Check your plan's storage allocation under Settings > Account > Storage. If you're approaching your limit, consider removing RAW files from completed deliveries after the client has downloaded them.

Best Practices

  • Set expectations in your contract about what RAW delivery includes. Specify that RAW files are unedited and require processing software.
  • Include a README in your delivery explaining what RAW files are, what software opens them, and that colors will look flat until processed.
  • Consider DNG format as a universal alternative if your client doesn't use the same camera system.

RAW delivery is available on all paid plans. Free plan users can deliver JPEGs only.