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ARW RAW
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Convert ARW to RAW

Can you convert ARW to RAW?
Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 12, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert ARW to RAW?
No - not a direct conversion.

ARW (Sony Alpha Raw) already contains unprocessed sensor data - it is raw by definition. Use DNG if you want an open raw container, or develop in a raw editor and export JPEG or TIFF for a finished image.

No direct path
Also to RAW: FFF · VDI · VHDX

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert ARW to RAW?

An ARW file stores unprocessed pixel data from a Sony sensor in a TIFF/EP container with Sony MakerNote metadata and an embedded JPEG preview - it is raw by definition. The '.raw' extension is used informally by some camera makers (historically Leica and Panasonic) for their own vendor-specific formats, none of which can be produced from Sony sensor data. The practical open alternative is .dng.

How to convert ARW to RAW

Adobe DNG Converter FREE

Download the free Adobe DNG Converter from adobe.com and convert .arw files to .dng - an open, documented raw format that works across all major raw editors and is the practical alternative to a generic '.raw'.

darktable OPEN-SOURCE

Open the .arw in darktable and export as JPEG or TIFF if the goal is a finished image rather than a raw container.

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 →
.RAW Raw Camera Image

A .raw file is most often an unprocessed photo straight from a digital camera sensor - a "digital negative" used by Panasonic, Leica, Contax, Casio, and others. Open and develop it free…

Open .RAW details →

Quality & what to watch

  • ARW is already a raw file; the realistic goal is either an open raw format (DNG) or a finished image (JPEG, TIFF), not a '.raw' file.
  • The '.raw' extension is used by some camera makers (historically Leica, Panasonic) for their own proprietary formats; these cannot be produced from Sony sensor data.
  • Any site claiming to convert ARW to RAW either returns a renamed copy of the input or a broken file.

Frequently asked questions

Is ARW a raw file?
Yes - ARW stands for Sony Alpha Raw and contains unprocessed sensor data; it is raw by definition.
What should I use instead of '.raw'?
Convert to DNG using the free Adobe DNG Converter for an open raw format, or develop in Lightroom, darktable, or RawTherapee and export JPEG or TIFF.
Why do some converter sites list ARW-to-RAW?
These listings come from old format databases that copied each other without verifying the conversion; no legitimate converter produces a meaningful '.raw' output from an ARW.