CR2 to ARW Converter

About CR2

CR2 (Canon Raw version 2) is the proprietary RAW file format used by Canon EOS DSLR cameras from approximately 2004 through 2018 — models including the 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 7D Mark II, 70D, 80D, and the Rebel series (1100D through 800D). Like all RAW formats, CR2 stores the unprocessed sensor data captured at the moment of shooting: 14-bit color depth per channel, full dynamic range before any white balance or tone curve is applied. Photographers shoot in CR2 precisely for this latitude — a file that appears underexposed or color-shifted can be recovered in post-processing without visible quality loss that would occur if the correction were applied to an in-camera JPG.

The tradeoff is compatibility. CR2 files require Canon's Digital Photo Professional, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Camera Raw, or another RAW-capable editor to open. They are not displayable in browsers, email clients, social platforms, or most general-purpose applications. Converting to JPG produces a universally compatible file that opens in every application without additional software or codec downloads.

When CR2 to JPG makes sense

Any delivery or sharing scenario that prioritises compatibility over editability calls for JPG. Sending shots to a client by email, uploading to a social platform, publishing to a photography blog, or submitting to a print lab that accepts JPEG — all require a processed output. This converter provides a direct path from CR2 sensor data to a ready-to-share JPG or PNG without opening a desktop application.

About this conversion

Conversion uses ufraw-batch to decode the CR2 sensor data, then Imagick to produce the output JPG, PNG, or WebP. The decode applies default auto white balance and a linear tone curve — a neutral, flat render without Canon's Picture Style profiles (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, etc.) or in-camera sharpening. The output is technically correct but intentionally neutral. It is a starting point, not a finished edit. For output that replicates the camera's own JPEG output style exactly, export from Canon Digital Photo Professional or Adobe Lightroom with your chosen Picture Style applied.

File size note

CR2 files from Canon DSLRs range from 10–30 MB depending on camera model and megapixel count. This converter has a 20 MB upload limit. Files from high-resolution bodies — particularly the 5DS (50 MP) and 5DS R (50 MP) — frequently exceed 30 MB uncompressed. In that case, reduce resolution in-camera, enable in-camera RAW compression if available, or export a high-quality JPEG from your RAW editor and use this converter for format-only conversion.

About ARW

ARW (Alpha Raw Workflow) is the proprietary RAW file format used by Sony Alpha cameras: the A6x00 series (APS-C mirrorless), the A7 series (full-frame mirrorless, I through IV), A7R, A7S, A7C, A9, A1, and the cinema line (FX3, FX30, ZV-E1). ARW files store uncompressed or losslessly compressed sensor data — typically 12 or 14 bits per channel — before any in-camera processing such as Creative Style profiles, Active D-Range Optimiser (DRO), or sharpening is applied. Like all RAW formats, ARW captures the complete sensor output at full dynamic range, providing maximum latitude for exposure and color correction in post-production.

The compatibility tradeoff is the same as any proprietary RAW format. ARW files require Sony Imaging Edge (formerly PlayMemories), Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or a compatible RAW editor to open. Browsers, email clients, social platforms, and most general-purpose applications cannot display ARW natively. Converting to JPG produces a universally compatible output.

When ARW to JPG is the right call

Delivering shots to clients, posting to Instagram or X, uploading to a content management system, sending previews by email, or submitting to a stock library that requires JPG — all require a compatible format. This converter provides a fast path from ARW sensor data to a shareable JPG, PNG, or WebP without a full post-processing workflow.

About this conversion

ufraw-batch decodes the ARW sensor data using default auto white balance and a linear tone curve. Imagick handles the output format (JPG, PNG, or WebP). The conversion produces a neutral, flat render without Sony's Creative Style profiles (Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, etc.) or DRO processing. The result does not replicate what the camera's in-camera JPEG engine would produce. For camera-matched output, export from Sony Imaging Edge or Adobe Lightroom with your chosen Creative Style applied.

File size note

Sony ARW files range from 12–50+ MB depending on sensor resolution and in-camera compression setting (uncompressed, lossless compressed, or lossy compressed RAW). Files from high-resolution bodies — the A7R IV (61 MP uncompressed) and A7R V (61 MP) — routinely exceed the 20 MB upload limit. Set the camera to compressed or lossy RAW to reduce file sizes, or export a reduced-resolution JPEG from Imaging Edge, then use this converter for format-only conversion.