How to view a .RWL file online
No app, no account, no upload.
Open your .RWL
Drag a .RWL file straight from your memory card onto the viewer, or choose it from your device. It's read right here, so even a 60 MB original opens without uploading.
View the photo and settings
We show the largest preview the camera saved, with shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lens, date, location and a histogram.
Save a JPG
Export the preview as JPG, PNG or WEBP to share it right away. Rotation from the camera is applied.
What is a .RWL file?
Everything worth knowing about Leica RAW Image File.
An RWL file is a proprietary RAW image from Leica compact cameras (D-LUX 4, D-LUX 5, D-LUX 7, V-LUX 4, and similar). It stores unprocessed sensor data before any in-camera JPEG processing. Open it in Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop (Camera Raw), Capture One, or the free tools RawTherapee and darktable. To convert to a widely compatible format, use the free Adobe DNG Converter.
Programs that open .RWL files
- Windows
- FastPictureViewer Professional, Adobe Photoshop Elements, darktable, Adobe DNG Converter, Zoner Photo Studio, Capture One
- macOS
- Adobe Photoshop Elements, darktable, Capture One, RawTherapee, Adobe Lightroom Classic
| Full name | Leica RAW Image File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Leica Camera AG (Germany) |
| First released | ~2009 (Leica D-LUX 4) |
| Category | Images |
| MIME type | image/x-leica-rwl |
| Signature | 49 49 2A 00 (II* - TIFF little-endian header) |
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Frequently asked questions
Is my .RWL file uploaded?
No. The viewer reads your .RWL file. RAW files are big and personal, so they never leave your device.
Is this the real RAW image?
It's the full-size JPEG preview the camera stored inside the RAW file, which is what the camera displays. It has the camera's own colors and white balance. Developing the raw sensor data with your own settings is coming soon.
Why is the preview small for my camera?
Some older cameras (and Sigma, Kodak and Minolta models) only embed a small thumbnail. The panel tells you the preview size and how it compares to the sensor.
Where does the location come from?
From the GPS data your camera or phone saved in the file. If you share the photo, remember this data travels with the original RAW.
Can I convert RAW to JPG here?
Yes: open the file and use Save as JPG. You'll get the camera's preview in full quality. For edited exports with your own exposure and color, use a RAW editor until our developer arrives.
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