How to Reduce ProRAW File Size on iPhone

By Eugene Grunin, developer of SwipellioUpdated October 17, 2026

If you no longer need a ProRAW original for editing, converting it to a smaller format is an option. Treat this as a format decision, not a promise that the new file is interchangeable with the original for every future edit.

Decide which originals you still need

Review the photograph and consider whether you plan to edit from the ProRAW original again. Keep a separate copy of any original you want to retain outside the cleanup. A pleasing finished image does not mean its original has no future value to you.

Use the ProRAW category in Quick Cleanup

Swipellio Quick Cleanup includes a ProRAW category that converts supported images to high-quality HEIF. The scan and category summary can be viewed without Pro, but entering the conversion tool requires Pro. Quick Cleanup excludes favorites and checks eligibility again when work runs.

What is saved and what is set aside

The converted copy is saved to your photo library. The ProRAW original goes into Swipellio’s in-app Trash Bin. Date, location and album membership carry over to the new copy. The new format is HEIF, not a smaller ProRAW file; do not confuse those outcomes.

Review before you remove the original

Check detail, color and the image you wanted to keep. A Quick Cleanup run appears as one Bin card, and you can restore that whole run before emptying the Bin. Restoring returns originals and removes the generated copies. Once you permanently delete the originals, that recovery path is gone.

Finish the storage check

While you keep the original, it still occupies space. After emptying the in-app Bin, check Recently Deleted in Photos. Do not rely on the scan’s estimated saving as a measured result. iPhone Storage may need time to recalculate after final removal.

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Check before deleting

A left swipe only moves the photo into the in-app Trash Bin. You can restore it until you empty the Bin; a double tap undoes the last swipe. After deleting from your library, check Recently Deleted in Photos too. Permanently deleting from there cannot be undone.

With iCloud Photos enabled, deleting also syncs to other devices on the same account. Keep a separate copy of important memories before permanently removing them.

Apple’s guide to deleting and recovering photos

Try Swipellio on iPhone

Everything, Photos, Videos and Screenshots are free basic modes, with no daily swipe cap. All sort orders, the Trash Bin and double-tap undo are included. No ads, cooldown timers or account.

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