PEF to WebP Converter
Convert PEF to WebP in your browser. The embedded JPEG is converted, with the Custom Image settings (Bright, Natural, Monochrome and so on) that were active in camera. No raw development happens here. You get a lossy WebP at the quality you choose (lossless under More options), keeping transparency. Nothing is uploaded.
- Processed locally
- No upload, no wait
- No sign-up
- No watermark
Drop images here
or choose files · paste with Ctrl/⌘ V
RAW expected · other image formats also work
How to use PEF to WebP
- 1
Add your PEF files: drop them here, choose them, or paste from the clipboard.
- 2
Set the quality. 80 to 85 is visually close to the original for most photos.
- 3
Click Convert. Each file is decoded and encoded in a background thread on this device.
- 4
Download the .webp files one at a time or together as a ZIP.
Why use Aback Images for pef to webp
Where the WebP goes next
WebP opens in every current browser, Windows, macOS, Android, and recent Photoshop, GIMP and Affinity.
WebP next to PEF
The WebP is made from the camera's 8-bit preview, so it is a small fraction of a 20 to 50 MB raw file.
A second JPEG generation
The pixels come from the JPEG preview the camera embedded in the PEF, so they have been compressed once already; keep the quality at or above the default.
Processed on your device
Your images are decoded, edited and encoded inside this browser tab by Web Workers. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
PEF vs WebP
What changes from PEF to WebP
Encoding: the PEF uses Pentax-compressed or uncompressed sensor data with a JPEG preview; WebP uses lossy VP8 coding or lossless VP8L, and the download is a lossy WebP at the quality you choose (lossless under More options), keeping transparency.
Bit depth: 12 or 14 bits per channel in the PEF; WebP allows 8 bits per channel, and the WebP written here has 8 bits per channel. The sensor's 12 or 14 bits are not used: the 8-bit camera preview is converted.
Colour: camera RGB from a Bayer mosaic in the PEF; WebP supports RGB; lossy WebP stores colour at half resolution (4:2:0), written here as 8-bit sRGB.
Metadata: the PEF can carry EXIF and Pentax maker notes with an embedded JPEG; WebP can carry EXIF, XMP and ICC chunks, but nothing is copied across.
About PEF
PEF is the raw format of Pentax DSLRs and Pentax-branded cameras from Ricoh Imaging. Pentax bodies can also record DNG instead, which many owners prefer for compatibility.
PEF is TIFF-based, with the sensor data and a JPEG preview referenced from its image directories and Pentax's maker notes. Pentax K-series bodies let you choose PEF or DNG for raw capture; both carry the same sensor data and an embedded preview.
PEF files usually come from Pentax K-series DSLRs and 645 medium-format cameras.
About WebP
WebP is Google's web image format. It supports lossy and lossless compression, transparency and animation, and is typically 25 to 35 percent smaller than JPEG at the same visual quality.
A WebP is a RIFF file: 'RIFF', a length, 'WEBP', then chunks. A simple lossy file is one VP8 chunk and a lossless one is VP8L; the extended VP8X header announces alpha, animation, ICC, EXIF or XMP chunks.
When converting PEF to WebP makes sense
WebP is the better choice for images on websites and in apps, while PEF suits editing Pentax photos in a raw developer.
WebP strengths: 25-35% smaller than JPEG; Transparency and animation in one format; Supported by every modern browser. Drawbacks to weigh: Some older desktop apps and photo printers cannot open it; Max 16383 px per side.
Limitations
- A PEF and a DNG from the same Pentax body convert the same way, through the embedded preview.
- A few older desktop apps, print services and upload forms still reject WebP; keep a JPG or PNG copy for those.
- WebP images are limited to 16383 pixels on each side.
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Frequently asked questions
Does converting PEF to WebP lose quality?
WebP is lossy, so detail the eye barely notices is discarded to save space. The PEF's preview is a camera JPEG already, so keep the quality high to avoid stacking artefacts. The sensor's 12 or 14 bits are not used: the 8-bit camera preview is converted.
What quality should I choose for WebP?
80 to 85 is visually close to the original for most photos. Go lower for thumbnails, or switch on Lossless under More options for screenshots and graphics.
Which apps open WebP files?
Every current browser, Windows, macOS, Android, and recent Photoshop, GIMP and Affinity.
Are my images uploaded anywhere?
No. Processing happens inside your browser with WebAssembly and Web Workers. The site only downloads the app code and codecs; your files never leave your device. You can confirm this with the live upload counter on the tool, or in your browser's network panel.
Can I process many files at once?
Yes. Drop a whole selection or folder. Files are processed in parallel on several worker threads, each result can be downloaded on its own, and everything can be saved as one ZIP.
Is it free? Is there a file limit or watermark?
It is free with no account, no watermark and no daily limit. The only limit is your device's memory: very large images (over roughly 100 megapixels) may be refused to keep the tab from crashing.