Why convert ARW to NEF?
ARW holds unprocessed pixel data from a Sony sensor with Sony-specific MakerNote tags and color profiles. NEF encodes the equivalent for Nikon sensors, tied to Nikon sensor layouts, Nikon color calibration, and Nikon lens data generated only by Nikon hardware. No software can reconstruct one manufacturer's raw data from another's capture; the practical alternative for cross-editor archiving is .dng.
How to convert ARW to NEF
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 preserves Sony sensor data and is readable by all major raw editors.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom APP
Import .arw files into Lightroom with 'Copy as DNG' enabled to archive in an open raw format, or develop and export as JPEG or TIFF for sharing.
Programs that convert ARW
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 →
.NEF
Nikon Electronic Format (Nikon camera raw image)
A NEF file is a raw image from a Nikon camera - the unprocessed sensor data, like a digital negative. On Windows, install the free Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store to see…
Open .NEF details →Quality & what to watch
- NEF cannot be produced from ARW because Nikon raw files require Nikon-specific sensor data, color matrices, and MakerNote tags that do not exist in a Sony file.
- Converting to DNG with the free Adobe DNG Converter preserves Sony raw sensor data in an open, widely supported format suitable for long-term archiving.
- For sharing or printing, develop the
.arwin Lightroom, darktable, or RawTherapee and export JPEG or 16-bit TIFF.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some websites list ARW-to-NEF conversion?
.nef extension.
