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.

 

PEF Files Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 Is PEF the same as RAW file?

PEF files are not the same as RAW files. They are a type of Raw file created by Pentax Digital cameras and contain minimally processed data directly from the camera’s image sensor. Also, PEF is exclusive to Pentax cameras, while many camera models can support RAW.

2 What can PEF files be converted to?

The PEF files can be converted to different raster or vector graphics formats, including GIF, DOCX, PGM, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, PS, AI, JP2, SVG, TGA, PCX, ICO, EXR, G3, and PSD.

3 What is the best PEF file viewer?

The best PEF file viewer is Pentax Digital Camera Utility. It is software tailored to seamlessly view and convert PEF (Pentax Electronic Format) images.

4 Are PEFs raster or vector files?

Had changed to this: PEF files are raster files similar to other RAW file formats such as NEF, CR2, CR3, ARW, X3F, KDC, and ERF. They store and use color pixels to display visual data and digital images.

5 PEF vs JPG: Which format is better?

 Choosing between PEF and JPEG depends on the user's needs. The PEF file format is high-quality, detailed, flexible, and standardized. It allows non-destructive editing and adjustments, making it ideal for taking professional photos. 

Conversely, JPEG images are compressed, smaller, less detailed, and quickly transferred and shared across different platforms since they are universally supported and compatible with other programs, software, applications, and browsers.

6 Can you open PEF files in Photoshop?

Yes, you can open PEF files in Photoshop. Although PEF files are exclusive to Pentax camera models, they are a type of RAW image format easily compatible with and supported in Photoshop.

7 How do I recover PEF files?

You can recover PEF files from the file history, recycle bin, or backups using MiniTool Power Data Recovery. Do the following to recover a corrupted or deleted PEF file:

1. Download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery on your PC
2. Connect the SD card to the PC > Hover the cursor over the SD card partition > click Scan. 
3. Once complete > Choose the Type tab > Click on the Filter button > Type the name of your PEF file > Enter
4. Locate and choose your lost PEF file > click Save.

8 How do you convert PEF to JPG on Android?

To convert PEF to JPG files on Android, use online PEF file viewers such as PhotoKit, Jumpshare, eZyZip, Pics.i or Convertjack. While many options for opening PEF files exist, our PEF to JPG converter is the best and simple way to realize your file conversion as it happens in just three steps: 

1. Upload the PEF file
2. Select the format you wish to change to (i.e. JPG).
3. Click Convert and download the converted file.

Remember: The tool allows users to do batch conversion for multiple PEF files to convert.

9 How to convert PEF to JPG on Mac free?

To convert PEF to JPG Mac free, use the Preview app on Mac, Jumpshare or Convertjack. However, Convertjack is the best PEF conversion tool. You can visit our PEF to JPG converter and follow three steps to convert your PEF file to JPG.

1. Upload the PEF file
2. Select the format you wish to change to (i.e. JPG).
3. Click Convert and download the converted file.

Note: You can also do batch conversion for multiple PEF files to convert.