How to download RAW files from SmugMug?

Photographers who use SmugMug as their portfolio platform or client delivery service often need to access their original RAW files. Whether you're retrieving your own work or a client is trying to download the high-quality originals you've shared, knowing the correct process can save time and frustration. This guide walks you through every step of downloading RAW files from SmugMug with clear instructions for different situations.

What Are RAW Files and Why They Matter

RAW files contain all the unprocessed data from your camera's sensor. Unlike JPEGs, they give you maximum flexibility for editing as they preserve all the original image information. For professional photographers, these files are precious because they allow for the highest quality adjustments to exposure, white balance, and other critical elements.

Before You Begin: SmugMug Storage Requirements

SmugMug allows RAW file storage, but there are some important points to understand first:

• RAW files count toward your storage limits
• You need a Power plan or higher to upload RAW files
• File size limitations may apply depending on your subscription level

SmugMug Plan Requirements for RAW Files

Downloading Your Own RAW Files from SmugMug

If you're the account owner trying to retrieve your own RAW files, follow these steps:

Method 1: Downloading Individual RAW Files

1. Log in to your SmugMug account
2. Navigate to the gallery containing your RAW files
3. Click on the image you want to download
4. Look for the download icon (downward arrow) in the image viewing screen
5. Click the download icon to open the download options
6. Select "Original" or "RAW" format from the dropdown menu
7. Click "Download" to save the file to your device

Method 2: Downloading Multiple RAW Files at Once

1. Log in to your SmugMug account
2. Go to the gallery with your RAW files
3. Click the "Organize" button at the top of the gallery
4. Select the images you want to download by clicking on them (a checkmark will appear)
5. Once you've selected all desired images, click the download icon in the toolbar
6. Choose "Original" size to get the RAW files
7. SmugMug will prepare a ZIP file containing your selected RAW files
8. Download the ZIP file when prompted

How Clients Can Download Your RAW Files

If you want to allow clients to download RAW files from your SmugMug galleries, you'll need to set up the proper permissions first.

Setting Up Download Permissions for Clients

1. Log in to your SmugMug account
2. Go to the gallery containing the RAW files
3. Click on "Settings" for that gallery
4. Select the "Security & Sharing" tab
5. Under "Downloading," check the box for "Enable downloading"
6. Select which sizes to make available (make sure "Originals" is checked)
7. Click "Save Changes"

Instructions for Clients to Download RAW Files

Share these steps with your clients:

1. Open the gallery link provided by the photographer
2. If the gallery is password-protected, enter the password
3. To download a single image:
   • Click on the image
   • Look for the download icon
   • Select "Original" size
   • Click "Download"
4. To download multiple images:
   • Click the "Buy" button at the top of the gallery
   • Select "Download" from the options
   • Choose the images you want
   • Select "Original" size
   • Follow the prompts to complete the download

Troubleshooting RAW File Downloads

Sometimes you might run into issues when trying to download RAW files. Here are solutions to common problems:

RAW Option Not Available

If you don't see the RAW or Original option when downloading:

• Check that you're on a Power plan or higher
• Make sure you actually uploaded RAW files (not just JPEGs)
• Verify that download permissions are enabled for the gallery

Download Speed Issues

RAW files are large, so downloads may take time:

• Use a stable internet connection
• Try downloading fewer files at once
• Consider downloading during off-peak hours

ZIP File Problems

If your ZIP file won't open or is corrupted:

• Try downloading again
• Use a different browser
• Make sure your download didn't time out
• Use a reliable extraction tool like 7-Zip

Using the SmugMug Mobile App for RAW Downloads

The SmugMug mobile app has some limitations for RAW files:

Android App Instructions

1. Open the SmugMug app and sign in
2. Navigate to your gallery
3. Tap the image you want to download
4. Tap the download icon
5. Select "Original" size if available

iOS App Instructions

1. Open the SmugMug app and sign in
2. Go to the gallery with your RAW files
3. Tap the image to view it
4. Tap the share icon (square with arrow)
5. Select "Save Image" or "Download"
6. Choose "Original" if prompted for size

Note: Mobile apps may have limitations with RAW files due to file size. For large RAW files, using a desktop computer is recommended.

Batch Downloading RAW Files with Third-Party Tools

For photographers with many RAW files to download, third-party tools can make the process faster:

Using SmugMug Downloader Tools

Several third-party applications can help with batch downloads:

1. Log in to your SmugMug account through the tool
2. Select the galleries containing your RAW files
3. Choose the file types to download (select RAW)
4. Specify a destination folder on your computer
5. Start the batch download process

Using Browser Extensions

Some browser extensions can help download multiple files:

1. Install a bulk downloader extension for your browser
2. Navigate to your SmugMug gallery
3. Activate the extension
4. Select the RAW files you want to download
5. Configure the extension to download original files
6. Begin the download process

Organizing RAW Files After Download

Once you've downloaded your RAW files, proper organization helps keep your workflow smooth:

• Create a consistent folder structure (Year/Month/Event)
• Rename files with descriptive information if needed
• Back up your RAW files to multiple locations
• Consider using photo management software like Lightroom to catalog your files

FAQs About Downloading RAW Files from SmugMug

Can I download RAW files from SmugMug with a Basic account?

No, you need at least a Power plan or higher to store and download RAW files on SmugMug. The Basic plan only supports JPG and PNG formats.

Why can't my clients see the Original download option for my RAW files?

Check your gallery settings to make sure you've enabled downloading of Original files. Go to gallery settings, select the "Security & Sharing" tab, and verify that "Enable downloading" is checked with "Originals" selected.

How long do RAW file downloads from SmugMug typically take?

Download times vary based on file size and your internet connection. RAW files are typically 20-50MB each, so downloading multiple files could take several minutes to hours depending on your connection speed.

Can I download RAW files directly to my phone from SmugMug?

Yes, but with limitations. While the SmugMug mobile app allows downloading, large RAW files may cause problems on mobile devices due to storage constraints and processing power. For large RAW files, a desktop computer is recommended.

If I delete RAW files from my camera, but they're on SmugMug, will they retain their full quality?

Yes, SmugMug stores your files exactly as you uploaded them. If you uploaded RAW files, they remain in their original format with full quality. However, always keep backups of important files in multiple locations.

Conclusion

Downloading RAW files from SmugMug is straightforward once you understand the process. Whether you're retrieving your own files or helping clients access their photos, the steps outlined in this guide should make the process simple. Remember that RAW files are large, so downloads may take time, especially when getting multiple files at once. By following these instructions, you'll be able to access the highest quality versions of your images whenever you need them.