Kitsmith / Creator Tools / RAW Power
A Finder- and Photos-integrated RAW editor from Gentlemen Coders that unlocks Apple’s own RAW engine — the closest thing to Aperture’s advanced processing still being sold.
Our take
Built specifically to extend Apple’s Photos app and Finder rather than replace them — RAW Power can browse and edit any folder without importing, or run as a Photos library app and editing extension with iCloud sync. Its pitch to former Aperture users is direct: adjustments like Boost were previously only in Aperture, and RAW Power brings them back. One honest nuance from the developer’s own listing: if you’re on macOS 13+, they now point people toward their newer app, Nitro Photo, which adds masking and XMP support that RAW Power doesn’t have — RAW Power still works, it’s just not the actively pushed flagship anymore.
- Price
- $39.99 one-time
- License
- Proprietary
- Get it via
- Mac App Store
- Developer
- Gentlemen Coders, LLC
Do you use RAW Power?
Who made this
Gentlemen Coders’ own About page credits founder Nik Bhatt, an 18-year Apple veteran who worked on TrueType, led the Soundtrack Pro team, and later served as Senior Director of Engineering over Aperture, iPhoto, and the Mac Photos app’s imaging team before founding the company in 2016. He holds 59 patents, per the same page.
What it does
Three tools in one
A standalone, non-destructive RAW image editor; an Apple Photos library app with iCloud sync; and a Photos editing extension — same adjustments in all three.
Advanced RAW processing
Unlocks adjustments from Apple’s RAW engine that Aperture exposed but Photos doesn’t, plus LUTs, split toning, and chromatic aberration correction.
Rate, flag, and filter
Star ratings and flags sync over iCloud Photos, so organization done in RAW Power carries over to Photos on other devices.
The deal
Worth knowing: The developer’s own App Store listing recommends Nitro Photo (also by Gentlemen Coders) for macOS 13+ users — it adds masking, XMP support, and synchronized pan/zoom that RAW Power doesn’t have. RAW Power remains fully functional but isn’t the actively promoted flagship anymore.
RAW Power — questions people ask
Does RAW Power replace the Photos app?
No — it extends it. RAW Power can manage your Photos library directly (with iCloud sync) or run as a standalone editor and Photos extension.
Should I use RAW Power or Nitro Photo?
The developer recommends Nitro Photo for macOS 13 and later — it adds masking, XMP support, and synchronized pan/zoom. RAW Power still works but isn’t the actively promoted option anymore.
Who makes RAW Power?
Gentlemen Coders, LLC, a small studio that also makes Nitro Photo for Mac and iOS/iPadOS versions of both apps.
Is RAW Power free?
RAW Power costs $39.99 one-time.
Does RAW Power work alongside a notch app like Alcove?
Yes — RAW Power lives in the screen, so it runs happily alongside any Dynamic Island hub or notch app.
Where can I download RAW Power?
RAW Power is available via Mac App Store.
Reviews
No public ratings yet. Reader reviews are coming to Kitsmith soon.
Listing hand-verified August 28, 2026 from the developer's site and public sources.
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