ufraw-batch

Simply convert RAW files to JPEG

$ ufraw-batch --out-type=jpg [input_file(s)]

$ ufraw-batch --out-type=png [input_file(s)]

$ ufraw-batch --embedded-image [input_file(s)]

$ ufraw-batch --size=MAX1,MAX2 [input_file(s)]

ufraw-batch [OPTIONS] [...INPUT_FILE]
ufraw-batch [OPTIONS] --output= [--create-id=]

-o , --output=
    Specify the output filename. If an input directory is given, this specifies the output directory.

--conf=
    Load configuration from a .ufraw sidecar file. This file contains all processing settings.

--overwrite
    Overwrite existing output files without prompting.

--silent
    Suppress all non-error output during processing.

--create-id=
    Controls the creation of .ufraw sidecar files. Modes: no (default), hard (always create), soft (create only if changes made).

--format=
    Set the output image format. Supported: jpeg, tiff, png.

--jpeg-quality=
    Set the JPEG compression quality (0-100). Default is 90.

--tiff-bitdepth=
    Set the TIFF output bit depth (8 or 16). Default is 16.

--wb=
    Set white balance preset. Examples: camera, auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, flash, custom.

--exposure=
    Adjust exposure compensation (e.g., 0.5, -1.0).

--gamma=
    Set gamma correction value. Default is 0.45.

--linear
    Apply a linear tone curve instead of the default sRGB curve.

--saturation=
    Adjust color saturation. Default is 1.0.

--clip=
    Set clipping mode. Examples: camera (default), no (no clipping).

--rotate=
    Rotate the output image by 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees clockwise.

--resize=
    Resize the output image to the specified width and height (e.g., 800x600).

--crop-enabled
    Enable cropping. Crop area must be defined by --crop-left, etc.

--crop-left=, --crop-top=, --crop-right=, --crop-bottom=
    Define the cropping area in pixels from the respective edge.

--lens-correction
    Apply lens distortion correction based on embedded or external profiles.

--darkframe=
    Apply dark frame subtraction using the specified dark frame image.

--hotpixel=
    Set the hot pixel correction threshold (0-100). Higher values correct more pixels.

--exif
    Copy EXIF data from the raw input file to the output image (if supported by format).

--identify
    Print information about the raw image (e.g., camera model, ISO) to standard output and exit.

--version
    Display the ufraw-batch version information.

--help
    Display a detailed help message with all available options.

ufraw-batch is the command-line interface for UFRaw (Unidentified Flying Raw), a utility for reading and manipulating raw images from digital cameras. It allows users to process raw files without a graphical interface, making it ideal for automated workflows, scripting, and batch conversions. It can apply various image adjustments such as white balance, exposure compensation, color management, and noise reduction, using either parameters specified on the command line or settings stored in UFRaw's sidecar .ufraw files. The processed images can be saved in standard formats like JPEG, TIFF, and PNG, with options for quality, bit depth, and resizing. It's particularly useful for photographers who need to convert large sets of raw files efficiently, or for systems that require automated image preparation.

UFRaw, including ufraw-batch, has not been actively developed since around 2016. While it remains functional for many older raw formats, support for newer camera models and their proprietary raw formats may be limited or absent. It relies on internal raw decoding routines (or an embedded libraw fork) which might not be as up-to-date as dedicated, currently maintained raw converters. Performance can vary depending on the number and size of files, and the complexity of processing options.

When processing raw files, ufraw-batch (and UFRaw GUI) can read and write .ufraw sidecar files. These XML-based files store all the processing parameters (white balance, exposure, curves, etc.) for a specific raw image. This allows for non-destructive editing and the application of consistent settings across batches without needing to specify every parameter on the command line for each run.

UFRaw originated as a GIMP plugin, providing raw image decoding and processing capabilities to the popular image editor. The ufraw-batch command was developed to extend this functionality to the command line, enabling users to leverage UFRaw's powerful processing engine for automated tasks and scripting without needing the GIMP GUI. Its development was closely tied to the evolution of raw camera formats and the underlying dcraw utility (which UFRaw initially used extensively, later embedding its own raw decoding components derived from libraw). While development has largely ceased, it was a significant tool in the open-source photography workflow for many years.

dcraw(1), convert(1) (ImageMagick), gimp(1), exiv2(1)