Apple ProRAW gives you more control over your iPhone photos, especially when it comes to editing.
If you have ever felt limited by how much you can adjust an image without it falling apart, ProRAW is designed to solve that problem.
This guide explains what ProRAW is, when to use it, and how to get the best results without overcomplicating your workflow.
What Is ProRAW on iPhone?
ProRAW is Apple’s image format that combines the flexibility of RAW files with iPhone image processing. It captures more data in highlights and shadows, which gives you more room to edit exposure, colour, and contrast.
The result is a photo that holds together better when you start making adjustments.
ProRaw is available on iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models with iOS 14.3 or later.
When Should You Use ProRAW?
ProRAW is most useful in challenging lighting.
High contrast scenes, low light, or photos with bright highlights benefit the most. It is also helpful when you know you will edit the photo heavily.
For simple snapshots or quick social posts, standard photos are usually fine. ProRAW is best reserved for photos you care about editing properly.
How to Turn on ProRAW
To enable ProRAW, open Settings, go to Camera, then Formats, and turn on Apple ProRAW. Once enabled, you can toggle ProRAW on or off directly in the Camera app.
This lets you choose when to use it rather than shooting everything in ProRAW – although we advise this anyway.
How to Shoot ProRAW Photos
When shooting ProRAW, exposure becomes more important. Slightly underexposing helps protect highlights and keeps more detail in the image. Keep your phone steady and tap to focus before taking the photo.
Good shooting habits still matter.
ProRAW gives you flexibility, but it cannot fix poor technique.
How to Edit ProRAW Photos
ProRAW files respond well to editing, but they still benefit from restraint. Start by adjusting exposure and highlights, then refine contrast and colour. Small changes usually go a long way.
Because ProRAW files are larger, editing them consistently saves time and storage.
ProRAW and Presets
ProRAW works especially well with presets. The extra data allows presets to apply more smoothly and predictably across different photos. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent style without over-editing.
Using a preset as a starting point helps you take advantage of ProRAW without building every edit from scratch.
iPhone Creator Kit’s Ultimate Bundle comes with a 100+ premium presets for you to use on your photos.
Is ProRAW Right for You?
If you enjoy editing and want more control over your photos, ProRAW is worth using. If you prefer quick results with minimal editing, you may not need it for every shot.
ProRAW gives you more freedom, not better photos by default. When used intentionally, it allows you to edit with confidence and keep images looking natural. Combined with good shooting habits, it can noticeably improve your results.
If you want a simple editing system designed to work well with ProRAW, iPhone Creator Kit includes presets and guides that help you get the most out of ProRAW without overcomplicating your workflow.