What is a PEF file Format, and how do you open it?

What are .PEF files?

PEF is a binary format for storing imaging data for Pentax Digital Cameras that is not directly readable by human eyes. PEF stands for Pentax Electronic Format. The file type can be identified using the .PEF file extension. It is organized and structured in a format only known to Pentax.

PEF files do not publicly disclose the detailed specs of the format. The format's structure comprises image sensor data, metadata, header information, tone curves, thumbnail images, color data, and other data structures tailored to Pentax cameras. 

PEF's components assume an exact organization and layout, which may vary based on the firmware version and Pentax camera model. PEF files are unique because they store raw image data captured by the camera, such as sensor data, exposure settings, and color temperature. 

PEF files are detailed and much more flexible for post-processing than compressed files, including PNG and JPG. As such, they are examples of RAW files used in other image formats. They are uncompressed and unprocessed. 

History of PEF image files

The Pentax Electronic Format (PEF) is a proprietary file format for photographs captured using Pentax Digital Cameras. While the creation of the PEF format is not documented, Pentax Camera Ltd introduced the first PEF file-compatible camera in 1957. 

The firm has maintained an impressive reputation in photography for creating and developing quality image products. PEF was created to offer entirely unedited images without compression, allowing photographers access to high-quality RAW image data captured using a Pentax camera. 

PEF files contain all the image data, which is challenging for the essential image editing tools built into various applications or operating systems. As such, while the format offers RAW unprocessed or uncompressed files, it necessitates installing third-party image editing solutions to process PEF files.

The PEF raw file format, including photography, is currently used in digital work. It ensures the finest image quality, prompting users to consider it a safe and secure file type for storing Pentax Captured images without degrading image quality and resolution levels when importing, exporting, or uploading. 

The PEF file format is exclusive to Pentax Cameras. However, innovative programs, software, applications, and operating systems have made it easier to share and use PEF images and files in various formats, including PDF, JPEG, or PNG.

What are PEF files used for?

Pentax Electronic Format (PEF) is a RAW image file type used in Pentax Digital Cameras. PEF files are widely applicable in digital photography and represent what users can feel and see using a Pentax camera. Most PEF image data are unprocessed and uncompressed, allowing users to adjust colors.  

Pros and cons of PEF files

PEF RAW files are captured and stored using Pentax cameras, preserving all image details like data and metadata. Thus, while PEF files are high-quality and larger, users can directly see the benefits and demerits of such files during digital photography applications, as elaborated below.

Advantages of PEF files

1. Detailed Metadata and Data: PEF files preserve and store comprehensive metadata and data, like image sensor data, color, tone curves, exposure settings, and thumbnail images.
2. Wider Support and Compatibility: PEF files are exclusive to Pentax cameras but are widely compatible with most software, including Photoshop, Lightroom, and DxO.
3. High-Quality Images: The PEF files are unprocessed, uncompressed, detailed, and data-rich, maintaining high image quality. 
4. Uncompressed and Unprocessed: PEF files hardly support in-camera image data processing, making the format flexible for editing in the subsequent stages. 
5. Non-Destructive Editing: PEF files can be easily edited without interfering with file structure or components. They support reverse and non-destructive editing, allowing photographers to crop images and completely alter the settings. 

Disadvantages of PEF files

1. Larger and Uncompressed Files: The PEF files are uncompressed, making them larger and demanding more storage space than other formats like JPG or PNG. 
2. Special Editing Software: PEF files require specific editing tools like Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop, which are expensive, difficult to access, and complex.
3. Complex Transfer or Interchanging Process: The file format is a proprietary product, making sharing difficult because most Pentax camera models have non-uniform PEF variations.

How to Open or view PEF Files

To open or view PEF files, use Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe Lightroom, DxO, RawTherapee, Capture One, Pentax Digital Camera Utility, and ImageMagick. Follow the steps below to Open your PEF file using CorelDraw. 

1. Download and install CorelDraw on your computer 
2. Launch CorelDRAW 
3. Choose File > Open the desired PEF file

Alternatively, open or view a PEF file online using PEF Image Viewer or Jumpshare. 

1. Go to Jumpshare or PEF Image Viewer
2. Choose PEF file (Jumpshare) or Open Photo (PEF Image Viewer)
3. Allow it to upload and open for view  

How to Create and Edit PEF Files

To create and edit PEF files, users need specialized programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom. Photoshop allows users to edit various PEF file features like contrast, brightness, color, and saturation. To create a PEF file in Photoshop, do the following:

1. Download and install Photoshop on your PC
2. Ensure to install an updated Adobe Camera Raw.
3. Launch Photoshop
4. Go to File > Open > Locate your file to use to create a PEF file (e.g. ARW or NEF) 
5. Return to File > Save As. In the dropdown menu, select the .PEF file type and Click Save.

How do I convert PEF photos?

Convert PEF photos to GIF, DOCX, PGM, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, PS, AI, JP2, SVG, TGA, PCX, ICO, EXR, G3, and PSD using Convertjack. Visit our Pentax PEF file converters and follow the following steps.

1. Upload the PEF file
2. Select the format you want the File to be converted to
3. Click Convert and download the converted File

Note: Convertjack allows you to do batch conversion for multiple PEF files.