THE FILE FIELD GUIDE

.braw

Blackmagic RAW video

Video

BRAW is Blackmagic RAW video requiring compatible playback or editing software. Keep it for raw processing and metadata even after creating ordinary video. Check software support, processing requirements and sidecars.

Main use: Developing and editing Blackmagic RAW footage
Data type: Binary data / document

All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed：2026-10-10 · Editor：Kai

Example: a practical checking sequence

Example: test BRAW with the official player, then export MP4 if the recipient only needs viewing. For color differences, compare raw controls, color management and sidecars. Keep rendered delivery separate from raw source and settings.

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Inspect in Blackmagic RAW Player

Check official distribution and OS support.

Obtain the compatible player from Blackmagic Design.
Open BRAW and verify duration, picture and sound.
Preserve associated sidecars with the source.

Import into DaVinci Resolve or compatible software

Check version and RAW support.

Import BRAW through the editor’s media workflow.
Match raw controls and color management to production settings.
Edit in a separate project and retain BRAW.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

Ordinary player rejection: use a BRAW-capable player.
Slow playback: inspect software and hardware requirements.
Color differs: compare raw settings, color management and sidecars.
Only some clips fail: check recording and copy completeness.
No raw controls after conversion: ordinary video stores rendered results.

BRAW → ordinary delivery video

Inspect raw controls and color management.
Export suitable delivery video from a compatible editor.
Verify color, duration and sound in another player.

Delivery video does not preserve raw-development flexibility; retain sources and sidecars.

Sidecars and raw originals

Blackmagic RAW sidecars carry processing metadata; their presence can affect interpretation. Check them during handoff.

Source for these steps：Blackmagic Design · Blackmagic RAW

Playback versus delivery checks

Player support does not imply identical editing or delivery support; determine whether the recipient needs raw or rendered video.

Record capture conditions.
Compare processing against a color reference.
Test delivery output elsewhere.

Source for these steps：Blackmagic Design · Blackmagic Cinema Camera manual

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / purpose	Use and preserved information
BRAW	Raw video source.
MP4	Rendered delivery video.
R3D	A different RED raw format.

Handling and security

Footage and metadata can contain unreleased information; use trusted tools and check sharing scope.

Questions and answers

Is BRAW another name for MP4?

No; it is distinct.

Can renaming enable playback?

No; use suitable decoding or export.

Does the player provide full editing?

Playback and editing tools differ.

Can I remove the sidecar?

Keep it with the source until requirements are verified.

Is BRAW unnecessary after MP4 export?

Keep it for redevelopment.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type

Formal name: Blackmagic RAW
Steward / specification: Blackmagic Design
MIME type: Check the producer or implementation; do not assume a single universal MIME value.

Primary and official sources

Software documentationBlackmagic RAW
RAW Player, SDK and sidecar metadata
Blackmagic Design · Link checked：2026-10-10
Software documentationBlackmagic Cinema Camera manual
Camera footage and RAW workflows
Blackmagic Design · Link checked：2026-10-10