How to Convert RAW Files to JPEG’s Using Picasa

One of Picasa’s newest features (introduced in version 2 and expanded in Beta 3) is the ability to view RAW pictures and convert them to JPEG’s. All you have to do is add your RAW files to Picasa (which you can now browse) and follow the instructions below to convert them to the JPEG format. As far as I can tell JPEG is the only format that Picasa exports to. The instructions to convert your RAW files to JPEG’s are listed below. If you have any comments or questions, please post them below. If you don’t know what RAW format is and would like to find out more, read this Wikipedia entry.

NOTE: I used Picasa 3 Beta & .NEF files (Nikon’s version of the RAW format).

1. Select the files you would like to convert. Click on File > Export Picture to Folder…

2. The Export to Folder dialog box will open, click on Browse to select the destination.

3. Select the destination where you want your folders to be exported to and click OK.

4. The Export to Folder window offers several options;

A. Name the folder your files will be exported to.

B. Select the Image Size you would like to use by choosing Use Original Size or Resize to: (move slider left to right to adjust dimensions)

C. Select the Image Quality from the drop-down menu. If you chose Automatic it will preserve the original image quality.

D. Add a watermark: You can add a text watermark to your picture.

Once you’re done, click OK

Note: Depending on the number of pictures you chose to export and your computer’s performance, it may take anywhere from a couple of seconds to a couple of hours to convert your pictures.

5. When you browse to the directory that your exported pictures were saved, you will be presented with JPEG files and watermarks (if chosen) located on the bottom right of the picture.

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