Keep an untouched copy of the best source image you have, retain any sidecars or catalogs that store its edit settings, and create working files and exports separately. Back up the image and its supporting files in at least two copies on different storage media kept in separate physical locations. The right format and folder structure depend on how the image was created and what you may need to do with it later.
What counts as the original image?
The original is the best source file available to you—not necessarily a RAW file. A camera RAW file retains sensor data before the camera renders a finished image. A JPEG or TIFF received from someone else, or captured by a camera, is already processed; preserve that exact file before making changes. Editing a JPEG or TIFF works on pixels that have already been rendered, rather than recovering the camera’s original sensor data.
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Keep the camera’s original RAW file even if you also make a DNG copy. Adobe describes DNG as a publicly documented, non-proprietary format, but converting to it is a choice, not a reason to discard the camera original. RAW files also need compatible software to interpret their sensor data into a color image.
Set up a source, working file, and export workflow
- Copy and identify the source. Transfer files from the camera, scanner, or sender into an organized image library before editing. Keep the original file extension and embedded metadata.
- Protect the source copy. Keep an untouched copy of the captured or received file. A read-only flag can help prevent accidental changes, but it is not a substitute for backup or archival protection.
- Keep edit instructions with the image. Adjustment settings may be stored in an XMP sidecar, an application catalog or database, or embedded in a DNG file. Back up the relevant sidecars and catalog data alongside the image; otherwise, the image may remain intact while its intended edits are lost.
- Make a separate working file or export. Keep an editable state when your software and workflow require one, then export purpose-specific derivatives—such as a web JPEG, delivery PNG, or print file—as separate files. Use clear names or folders so the relationship between source, working file, and export is easy to recognize.
- Back up and check your copies. Keep at least two copies on different storage media in separate physical locations. Periodically confirm that image files and their supporting metadata can still be opened and used.
Adobe states that when you adjust a camera RAW image, “the original camera raw data is preserved.” Its Camera Raw workflow can save processed copies in formats such as JPEG, TIFF, PSD, or DNG while leaving the original camera RAW file unaltered. That protection applies to the RAW source; it does not make an edited JPEG or TIFF equivalent to its untouched source.
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Choose formats according to the source and intended use
There is no need to convert every camera original to TIFF. The Library of Congress’s 2025–2026 Recommended Formats Statement for still images lists TIFF, JPEG 2000, PNG, and JPEG/JFIF among its preferred formats for digital photographs, and PSD, DNG, and proprietary camera RAW among acceptable formats. This is collection-development guidance, not a universal rule for personal image libraries.
- For reprocessing: Keep camera RAW when available if you may want to reinterpret the sensor data later. A JPEG or TIFF can still be the original source for an image you received or captured in that format.
- For compatibility: Consider whether future software will support a proprietary RAW format. DNG is an alternative with public documentation, but retaining the original RAW avoids making conversion your only copy.
- For fidelity: The Library of Congress identifies highest available resolution, highest available bit depth (16 bits per channel if available), and a color profile or specified color space as preferred characteristics. It also favors uncompressed or lower-compression characteristics in its preservation context. Choose based on your source, software, and intended output rather than converting blindly.
- For edit recovery: Find out where your application stores adjustments—inside the image, in sidecars, or in a catalog—and make sure those dependencies travel with the source.
Preserve metadata as well as image pixels
Metadata helps identify, interpret, and manage image files. Where applicable, retain information such as title, creator, creation date, contact details, identifiers, subject descriptors, and technical production details. Embedded schemas such as IPTC can carry descriptive information; administrative and structural metadata can also help with recovery and management.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Metadata may be embedded in the file or stored separately. When transferring an image to another computer, restoring a backup, or changing editing software, include its sidecar files and the catalog or database that holds settings. A standalone image copy may not reproduce the same editing state if those dependencies are missing.
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Make backups that can survive a local failure
The Library of Congress advises keeping digital files on at least two storage media and in separate physical locations. A second copy on an external drive can contribute to that plan, but one external drive alone does not meet both recommendations. Store supporting metadata and edit settings with the image copies, and periodically test that the files can be opened.
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The guidance does not prescribe a particular directory template, cloud provider, storage capacity, checksum method, or check interval. Choose those details to suit your library and the consequences of losing it. If you work with research, clinical, forensic, or regulated images, follow the retention and integrity rules that apply to your institution or field; general image-preservation practices may not satisfy them.
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