Why convert CR2 to DNG?
CR2 (Canon RAW 2) is a TIFF-based proprietary format used in Canon DSLRs from 2004 through roughly 2018. DNG (Digital Negative) is an open, documented raw container introduced in 2004 by Adobe. Photographers convert to .dng mainly for long-term archiving, since the public DNG spec lets any software decode it without Canon-specific knowledge.
How to convert CR2 to DNG
Adobe DNG Converter FREE
Select a folder of .cr2 files, choose an output location, and click Convert; each .cr2 becomes a .dng while the originals remain untouched.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom APP
In Lightroom's Import dialog, select 'Copy as DNG' at the top; each .cr2 is converted to .dng as it is imported into the catalog.
Programs that convert CR2
About these formats
.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 →
.DNG
Digital Negative (Adobe DNG)
A DNG file is a RAW photo in Adobe's open Digital Negative format - unprocessed sensor data that you develop in software before sharing. On Windows, install the free Raw Image Extension to…
Open .DNG details →Quality & what to watch
- DNG conversion preserves the original raw sensor data with no quality loss - you retain full editing latitude in any raw editor.
- Core EXIF and lens metadata carry over intact; some Canon-proprietary maker-note fields may not be readable by non-Canon tools, but standard EXIF survives.
- Adobe DNG Converter never deletes source files; keep the
.cr2originals until you have verified the DNG files open correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting CR2 to DNG reduce image quality?
Will the DNG files be larger or smaller than the CR2 originals?
Do I need to convert if I already use Lightroom or darktable?
.cr2 directly; DNG conversion is mainly useful for long-term archiving or cross-application compatibility.
