File Issues

A RAW file opens but looks different, or is low resolution

When RapidRAW can't decode a RAW file, it shows the JPEG preview stored inside the file instead. You can view and edit it, but it is smaller and already processed by the camera, so you lose most of the RAW advantages. The log then contains a line like Using embedded preview fallback for '...'.

What to do:

Make sure you use the latest version. Support for new cameras is added regularly.
Check the camera list.
Convert the file to DNG with the free Adobe DNG Converter as a workaround.
Help get the camera supported: see File Formats → My camera isn't supported.

A RAW file doesn't appear at all

The file extension is not in RapidRAW's list (see File Formats). Convert it to DNG, or request support as above.

RAWs look darker than in other apps

Many apps brighten RAW files by a fixed amount by default. Turn on Settings → Processing → Baseline Exposure to do the same in RapidRAW. If you shoot with Fujifilm DR modes, Canon Highlight Tone Priority or similar, keep Highlight Preservation Compensation on.

Pink or magenta cast in some DNGs

Some linear DNGs (drones, phones) need a different interpretation. Try the options under Settings → Processing → Linear RAW Processing. See Settings.

Lens not corrected

The lens is missing from the Lensfun database. Request it there, or correct manually with the Distortion slider and Chromatic Aberration.

Wrong or outdated thumbnails

Thumbnails are cached. If they don't match the photo, for example after editing it in another app:

Open Settings → Processing → Data Management.
Click Clear next to Thumbnails.

They are rebuilt the next time you open the folder.

If thumbnails look different from the opened photo (for example different colors), turn on Always Decode RAW in Settings → Processing. By default thumbnails are made from the JPEG preview inside the RAW file, which the camera processed differently.

My edits are gone

Edits live in the .rrdata file next to each photo (for example IMG_2231.NEF.rrdata). If they are missing:

Check whether the .rrdata file is still next to the photo. It may have been left behind when the photo was moved with a file manager, or not copied by a backup or sync tool.
Some sync tools skip unknown file types. Make sure *.rrdata is included.
Restore the .rrdata file from your backup (Time Machine, File History).
If the photo was edited through Immich, the edits are stored on the server. Check that RapidRAW is connected.

Moving and renaming inside RapidRAW always takes the sidecars along.

Photo opens with partial or broken edits

The .rrdata file may be damaged, for example by an interrupted sync. It is a JSON text file: open it in a text editor. If it ends abruptly, it was cut off and you need to restore it from a backup. If it looks complete but renders wrong, open an issue and attach the .rrdata file (it contains no image data).

File is locked or can't be opened

Close other apps that might have the file open.
Wait until cloud sync is finished.
For OneDrive, iCloud and similar: make sure the files are stored on the device, not "online only".