---
id: mac-storage-basics.why-do-raw-and-prores-files-take-so-much-space
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/why-do-raw-and-prores-files-take-so-much-space
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Photos, music and video"
question: "Why do RAW photos and ProRes videos take up so much space?"
alt_questions:
  - "raw photo file size"
  - "proraw iphone size"
  - "prores video huge"
  - "raw vs jpeg storage"
  - "iphone pro camera files large"
short_answer: "They store much more image data for editing, so they're many times larger than HEIC/JPEG or HEVC. Use them only when you'll edit, and archive originals afterwards."
tags: ["raw", "prores", "photos", "video"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/do-heic-and-hevc-save-space", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-takes-up-space-in-video-editing"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why do RAW photos and ProRes videos take up so much space?

They keep far more information than everyday formats, so editors can push colour and exposure further. A RAW or ProRAW photo is many times the size of a HEIC or JPEG, and ProRes video is many times the size of HEVC.

Shoot RAW or ProRes only when you'll edit those shots. Once a project is finished, export the final versions in efficient formats and archive the originals to an external drive.