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ARW CR2
Not possible

Convert ARW to CR2

Can you convert ARW to CR2?
Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 25, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert ARW to CR2?
No - not a direct conversion.

CR2 encodes Canon sensor data, Canon color matrices, and Canon MakerNote metadata - none of which exists in a Sony ARW. Any tool claiming to do this produces a broken file or a processed image with a renamed extension. For a universal raw format, convert to DNG instead.

No direct path
Also to CR2: PSB · SRW · ORF

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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Why convert ARW to CR2?

An ARW file holds Sony sensor data, Sony color profiles, and Sony MakerNote tags captured by a Sony Alpha camera. CR2 is tied to Canon sensor layouts, Canon calibration data, and Canon lens metadata generated only by Canon hardware. Software cannot fabricate one manufacturer's sensor data from another's capture; the recommended open alternative is .dng.

How to convert ARW to CR2

Adobe DNG Converter FREE

Download the free Adobe DNG Converter from adobe.com, select your .arw files, and convert to .dng - an open raw format that keeps the raw sensor data without Sony's proprietary wrapper.

darktable OPEN-SOURCE

Open the .arw in darktable, develop the image, and export as JPEG or 16-bit TIFF for sharing or further editing.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom APP

Import the .arw into Lightroom, process and export as JPEG or TIFF, or use 'Copy as DNG' on import to archive in an open raw format.

Programs that convert ARW

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Zoner Photo Studio
Adobe Photoshop
HDR Darkroom
ACDSee Photo Manager
ArcSoft PhotoStudio
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for Mac
Adobe Photoshop for Mac

About these formats

.ARW Sony Alpha Raw (Sony digital camera raw image)

An ARW file is a raw image from a Sony Alpha (or Cyber-shot) camera - the unprocessed sensor data, like a digital negative. On Windows, install the free Raw Image Extension from the…

Open .ARW details →
.CR2 Canon RAW 2 (Canon digital camera raw image, version 2)

A CR2 file is a raw image from a Canon DSLR - the unprocessed sensor data, similar to a digital negative. On Windows, install the free Raw Image Extension (Microsoft Store) to see…

Open .CR2 details →

Quality & what to watch

  • CR2 is a Canon-specific format; a valid CR2 requires Canon sensor data and Canon MakerNote metadata that cannot be generated from a Sony ARW.
  • Converting ARW to DNG with the free Adobe DNG Converter is the practical equivalent of a universal raw - open, documented, and accepted by all major raw editors.
  • For delivery or publication, develop the .arw in any raw editor and export JPEG or 16-bit TIFF; there is no scenario where CR2 is the correct output for a Sony file.

Frequently asked questions

Is there any software that converts ARW to CR2?
No - tools claiming this either produce a file with a .cr2 extension lacking valid Canon sensor data or silently export a processed JPEG in a renamed container.
Why does my converter list CR2 as an output option for ARW?
Older format databases listed pairings without verifying technical validity; ARW-to-CR2 was included alongside real conversions but has never produced a valid result.
Can I open an ARW in Canon's Digital Photo Professional?
No - Canon DPP reads only Canon raw files (CR2, CR3, CRW); use Sony Imaging Edge Desktop, darktable, or Lightroom for ARW.