Overview

Photo RAW brings RAW processing, layers, effects, photo management, and export together. It browses files in their existing locations and supports tagging, albums, stacking, and AI-powered keywording. That makes it a strong fit for photographers who want to organize and edit without splitting those jobs across separate applications; for someone who only needs a RAW developer, the broader workflow may be unnecessary.

Batch editing, layer editing, and masking cover both repeated adjustments and more selective work. Optional integrations include Photoshop CC, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, Apple Photos, and Affinity Photo. MAX adds plugin compatibility for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Key features

AI tools include NoNoise AI, Resize AI, Generative Erase, Sky Swap AI, Restore AI, and Brilliance AI. Super Select AI, subject and background masks, and AI depth masks support targeted edits. This breadth gives photographers several ways to work within one application, but Restore AI is reserved for Photo RAW MAX and processes images in the cloud. ON1 says submitted photos are used only for the requested restoration, not to train models or improve datasets.

Restore AI access also has different terms by purchase type: perpetual MAX licenses include unlimited restorations for one year, while subscribers retain access while the subscription is active. Buyers who want ongoing access should account for that distinction.

Pricing

Photo RAW 2027 and Photo RAW MAX 2027 have custom pricing. The standard edition supports installation on up to two computers; MAX supports up to three. The ON1 Photo RAW MAX plan includes 200 GB of Cloud Sync and three computers, while ON1 Photo Studio includes 1 TB of Cloud Sync and five computers; both have custom pricing. The larger Studio allowance suits photographers who need more synchronization storage and installations, while MAX is the narrower option for those who need its features with less cloud capacity.

The ON1 Photo RAW MAX Subscription trial costs 7.99 USD per month after a 30-day free trial. It includes the latest Photo RAW MAX, plugin support, and 200 GB of cloud sync storage. Subscription installations vary by plan, with up to five computers. ON1 also advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is no free plan.

Before choosing, weigh the computer allowance and cloud quota alongside the tools: the standard edition does not include Restore AI, while MAX perpetual access to unlimited restorations lasts one year rather than indefinitely.

Platforms

Photo RAW 2026.5 is available for Windows and Mac; its stated requirements are macOS 13 or later and Windows 11 on x86 or ARM. The platform range also includes Android, iOS, and an extension. MAX subscription includes 200 GB of Cloud Sync for syncing photos across computers, mobile devices, and tablets. That combination is useful for photographers moving between desktop and mobile, though the allowance is smaller than Photo Studio's 1 TB.

ON1 offers support, free training videos, and monthly live webinars with ON1 educators.

Who it's for

ON1 positions Photo RAW for photographers from hobbyists to working professionals and commercial studios. Its blend of management, RAW development, batch editing, layers, and AI tools is best suited to people who will use several parts of that workflow. A photographer seeking only a free RAW processor, or one who does not need its organization and editing range, has leaner alternatives.

Pros and cons

Pros: RAW processing, organization, layers, effects, and export share one workflow, reducing the need to divide those tasks among separate apps.
Pros: Batch editing and several AI masking options support both repeated and selective edits.
Pros: MAX subscription syncs across computers and mobile devices, with a five-computer allowance depending on plan.
Cons: Restore AI is MAX-only, cloud-processed, and unlimited perpetual access is limited to one year.
Cons: The stated desktop requirements begin at macOS 13 or Windows 11, which rules out older systems.
Cons: The named perpetual plans and two cloud plans have custom pricing, making the subscription's 7.99 USD monthly price the only exact plan price supplied.

Alternatives

Adobe Lightroom is worth considering if a free plan and 1 TB cloud storage are priorities; its listed Lightroom plan also includes 250 monthly generative credits, though its plan prices are custom.

RawTherapee is a better fit for someone who wants a free RAW processor and does not need digital asset management, printing, or uploading features. ART, darktable, Hasselblad Phocus, and vkdt are also free RAW or photography workflow options.

Photomator suits an Apple-focused user: its monthly subscription is 7.99 USD per month and covers Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Vision Pro under one license. ON1 Portrait AI is a narrower ON1 alternative for readers considering portrait-focused software.

For category comparisons, browse RAW Photo Processing Software, Batch Photo Processing Software, Panorama Stitching Software, Photo Editing Software, or AI Photo Editors.

Verdict

Choose ON1 Photo RAW if you want a single desktop workflow for managing and editing RAW images, and its masks, batch tools, and AI features match the way you work. Look elsewhere if you need a free processor, support for an older operating system, or Restore AI without MAX's plan and access terms.

	IMG.LY Photo Editor SDK	ON1 Photo RAW
Free plan		No
Free trial	Yes	Yes
Platforms	Android, iOS, macOS, self-hosted, Web	Android, extension, iOS, macOS, Windows
Free plan	No	No
Platform	multi-platform	desktop
Layer editing	Yes	Yes
Masking tools	Yes	Yes
Batch editing	Yes	Yes
AI retouching	Yes	Yes
RAW photo support		Yes
Cloud sync		Yes
RAW input		Yes

IMG.LY Photo Editor SDK vs ON1 Photo RAW

IMG.LY Photo Editor SDK

ON1 Photo RAW