Adjustable camera-RAW controls.
ISO, white balance, decode settings, and other camera-RAW decisions become baked into the finished file. Keep the original RAW for shots that still need significant recovery or reinterpretation.
The quiet RAW workflow for Mac
Raw in.Ready out.
Free to download and use. Turn supported R3D, Nikon N-RAW, and ProRes RAW camera originals into edit-ready H.265 10-bit 4:2:2 or Apple ProRes. Choose the processing option that fits the Mac, then let the app disappear into the background.
Your footage, ready.3 selected · 19.4 GB source · Resolve engine
Resolve · H.265 Standard · 250 Mb/s◇ RAW processing RED IPP2 · NR LowApply format to all
EXPORT QUEUE3 clips · 3 selected · autosaved+ Add •••
✓
DEMO_CITY_001.R3DR3D · 6144×3240 · 59.94 fps · 0:43
RAW 16.8 GB → Output 1.34 GB92% smaller · 250 Mb/s actual
VERIFIEDH.265 · 250 Mb/s×
✓
DEMO_RIDGE_002.NEVNEV · 6048×3402 · 24 fps · 1:12
RAW 13.4 GB → Est. output 2.18 GB84% smaller · 250 Mb/s target
EXPORTING 64%H.265 · 250 Mb/s×
✓
DEMO_STUDIO_003.R3DR3D · 8192×4320 · 29.97 fps · 0:28
RAW 8.1 GB → Est. output 875 MB89% smaller · 250 Mb/s target
READYH.265 · 250 Mb/s×
FINISHED FILESDemo Production / R3DH265Change
1 of 3 complete48%
INPUTR3D / N-RAW / PRRCamera originals untouched
OUTPUT10-bit 4:2:2H.265 or ProRes
H.26510-bit 4:2:2
ProResProxy through HQ
R3D + N-RAW + PRRSource aware
One clean path from camera to timeline.
Watch the walkthroughMeet the app.
Meet the app.
Set it up once.
A concise introduction to ZR RAW Extended, followed by the setup process so you can move from download to your first queue with confidence.
Subscribe on YouTubeThe honest RAW tradeoffWhat you keep.
What you keep.
What you trade.
This is not RAW after conversion, and it is not pretending to be. It is a practical, high-quality next step for footage that no longer needs major camera-RAW adjustments.
10-bit 4:2:2 color precision.
The result retains strong grading latitude in the same bit-depth and chroma-sampling class as a high-quality internal recording format. R3D footage keeps its established RED-derived color foundation.
Much smaller files Faster transfers and backups Lower storage requirements Camera originals never overwritten
About playback: performance depends on the Mac, editing application, resolution, and frame rate. H.265 is chosen here for storage efficiency, not as a universal promise of smoother playback.
A calmer ingestThree moves.
Three moves.
Then get on with your day.
No codec maze. No mystery folders. No babysitting render tools. The app keeps the decisions visible and the machinery out of your way.
01Add RAWs
Files, folders, or watched directories.
02Your engine renders
Choose REDline or Resolve for the session.
03Files land ready
Clean names, history, and verified output.
Two RAW engines. One queue.Two integrations.
Two integrations.
One calm workspace.
Choose once for the session. Queue controls, listener automation, history, progress, output profiles, verification, and recovery stay exactly where they are.
DaVinci Resolve
On supported Apple silicon Macs, DaVinci Resolve can process many RAW jobs faster thanks to its mature hardware acceleration and highly optimized media engine. It is our preferred-quality option, enables additional image controls, and adds guarded ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ camera-original support.
Resolve 21 validated · ProRes RAW requires 20.2+ · Local scripting requiredREDCINE-X / REDline
A selectable RAW processing integration that stays inside the same focused queue, listener, progress, verification, and recovery experience.
Availability checked during guided setupReal-frame comparisonCompression should remove weight.
Compression should remove weight.
Not the picture.
These supplied 4K stills place RAW-decoded source frames beside their compressed counterparts. Open any frame at full resolution and inspect skin texture, fine edges, shadow detail, and highlight transitions for yourself.
Example 02 / Matched frame
R3D source. H.265 result.
The source and export remain remarkably close on a frame with fine hair, skin gradients, window detail, and bright fabric.
0.9866
Measured from the supplied 3840 x 2160 JPEG stills.SSIM1.0 is identical
Source / R3D RAW4K ↗
Output / H.2654K ↗Example 01 / Codec lineup
Large crops. Side by side.
The subject stays large so texture and edge differences are easier to spot. Every crop opens to its original 3840 x 2160 still.
01R3D source / app export
RAW-decoded source beside the ZR RAW Extended H.265 result.
RAW source4K ↗
App export4K ↗02N-RAW reference / Resolve export
Clearly labeled N-RAW paths from the same portrait setup.
RAW reference4K ↗
Resolve export4K ↗03App H.265 / internal H.265
Same outdoor setup for visual reference; this pair is not frame-matched.
App export4K ↗
Camera codec4K ↗Visual field comparison, not a controlled laboratory benchmark. Display scaling, JPEG screenshots, camera settings, lens behavior, and playback state can affect perceived detail. Preview files receive the same web treatment; linked 4K stills are the untouched supplied screenshots.
Carbon CinemaMore footage.
More footage.
Less interface.
The 1.0 workspace includes engine choice, live stages, time remaining, recovery, and storage checks without crowding the cinematic queue-first view.
High-fidelity UI demonstration with fictional mediaYour footage, ready.3 selected · 19.4 GB source · Resolve engine
Resolve · H.265 Standard · 250 Mb/s◇ RAW processing RED IPP2 · NR LowApply format to all
EXPORT QUEUE3 clips · 3 selected · autosaved+ Add •••
✓
DEMO_CITY_001.R3DR3D · 6144×3240 · 59.94 fps · 0:43
RAW 16.8 GB → Output 1.34 GB92% smaller · 250 Mb/s actual
VERIFIEDH.265 · 250 Mb/s×
✓
DEMO_RIDGE_002.NEVNEV · 6048×3402 · 24 fps · 1:12
RAW 13.4 GB → Est. output 2.18 GB84% smaller · 250 Mb/s target
EXPORTING 64%H.265 · 250 Mb/s×
✓
DEMO_STUDIO_003.R3DR3D · 8192×4320 · 29.97 fps · 0:28
RAW 8.1 GB → Est. output 875 MB89% smaller · 250 Mb/s target
READYH.265 · 250 Mb/s×
FINISHED FILESDemo Production / R3DH265Change
1 of 3 complete48%
Large previews, RAW metadata, target format, measured savings, verification, and file progress stay in one view.
5Automatic export starts in five secondsCompression has not started. Cancel to review the queue.
Your footage, ready.3 selected · 19.4 GB source · Resolve engine
Resolve · H.265 Standard · 250 Mb/s◇ RAW processing RED IPP2 · NR LowApply format to all
EXPORT QUEUE3 clips · 3 selected · autosaved+ Add •••
✓
DEMO_CITY_001.R3DR3D · 6144×3240 · 59.94 fps · 0:43
RAW 16.8 GB → Output 1.34 GB92% smaller · 250 Mb/s actual
VERIFIEDH.265 · 250 Mb/s×
✓
DEMO_RIDGE_002.NEVNEV · 6048×3402 · 24 fps · 1:12
RAW 13.4 GB → Est. output 2.18 GB84% smaller · 250 Mb/s target
EXPORTING 64%H.265 · 250 Mb/s×
✓
DEMO_STUDIO_003.R3DR3D · 8192×4320 · 29.97 fps · 0:28
RAW 8.1 GB → Est. output 875 MB89% smaller · 250 Mb/s target
READYH.265 · 250 Mb/s×
FINISHED FILESDemo Production / R3DH265Change
1 of 3 complete48%
Cancel before processing starts and make any last queue changes.
EngineChoose the RAW engine for automatic jobsDaVinci Resolve
OutputDefault format for new footageH.265 Standard
Advanced processingOptional image controlsConfigure ›
5Five-second reviewCancel before automatic compression begins.
WATCH LOCATIONS
◆Incoming Camera RAWDemo Production / Incoming Camera RAW
◆Studio OriginalsDemo Archive / Studio Originals
Beside each sourceSelected directory
Finished files stay organized, and prior exports remain visible before another compression.
Watch multiple directories, preserve history, and choose where automatic exports land.
Fast where it matters
Control without clutter.
Everything important is in the queue. Everything else stays out of the way.
Drop it. Queue it.
Drag supported R3D, N-RAW, or ProRes RAW clips, entire folders, or a mix. Preview camera details, history, resolution, frame rate, duration, and estimated savings before you commit.
Choose per clip.
Set H.265 or ProRes for the whole queue, then override individual files when a shot needs something different. Mixed formats run in one organized Resolve session.
Walk away.
The menu-bar listener watches selected directories, builds the queue, and gives you five seconds to cancel before the selected engine begins quietly in the background.
Storage, explained
See the size before you make the file.
Every queue row shows the selected bitrate, estimated output size, and expected percentage smaller than the RAW. When the selected engine finishes, estimates switch to measured results.
150, 250, or 400 Mb/s H.265 750 Mb/s H.265 All-Intra Custom H.265 from 25-800 Mb/s ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ input ProRes Proxy, LT, 422, and HQ output
QUEUE ESTIMATE6K / 24 fps
CAMERA RAW1.99 GB
H.265 / 250 Mb/s218 MB
89%smaller
Example measured result. Actual savings vary by clip complexity and duration.Always ready, never loud
Your menu bar handles the handoff.
Hide the main window and keep the listener running. When new RAWs arrive, the app builds a reviewable queue and starts a visible five-second countdown.
54321GO
Before you download
A short requirements list.
REDCINE-X / REDline is installed during setup. DaVinci Resolve Studio remains an optional preferred-quality engine.
MacApple siliconBuilt for M-series Macs
SystemmacOS 13+Ventura or newer
RAW engineREDline or ResolveProRes RAW requires Resolve 20.2+
SetupInternet onceOnly if dependencies are missing
You do not need DaVinci Resolve for R3D or N-RAW workflows. ProRes RAW camera originals require Resolve 20.2 or newer. Guided setup checks the selected workflow and reports anything that needs attention.
From download to done
Install in three steps.
1Download
Open the DMG and launch the installer.
2Control-click Open
One time only. This free community build is not Apple-notarized.
3Let setup finish
The app lands in Applications and confirms that the selected RAW engine is ready.
Independent and creator-built
Donate Useful to your workflow?
ZR RAW Extended is free to download and use. Donations are entirely optional and help fund testing, compatibility work, and future support.
ZR RAW Extended 1.0.3 · Build 211 · August 20, 2026Make RAW feel lighter.
Free to download. No account, payment, or donation required.
macOS 13+ / Apple silicon / Resolve optional / 2.9 MB installer