Convert anything, at global scale.
200+ formats and automation APIs that feels instant.
CONVERT
From
To
Drop files or choose a source
Upload multiple files at once, mix formats, and fine-tune every conversion with format-aware settings.
Max 2GB per file · Drag & drop ready · Mixed file types welcome
ARW at a glance
ARW
As Sony expanded from consumer electronics into serious camera bodies and sensors, ARW became part of the broader shift that put Sony raw support on the critical path for many photo applications.
CRW at a glance
CRW
Early Canon digital-camera workflows used raw formats like CRW before the later EOS raw families stabilized around CR2 and then CR3.
Format comparison
| Feature | ARW | CRW |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Image | Image |
| Extensions |
|
|
| MIME type |
|
|
| Compression / quality | raw | raw |
| File size characteristics | large | large |
| Compatibility | limited | limited |
| Editability | high | high |
| Created year | 2006 | 2000 |
| Inventor | Sony | Canon |
| Status | proprietary | proprietary |
| Transparency | Not supported | Not supported |
| Animation | Not supported | Not supported |
| Primary use cases |
|
|
| Common software |
|
|
| Archival suitability | strong | strong |
| Metadata handling | rich | rich |
| Delivery profile | limited | limited |
| Workflow fit | source | source |
| Layer support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Vector scaling | Not supported | Not supported |
| Camera raw data | Supported | Supported |
| HDR support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Streaming ready | Not supported | Not supported |
When to use each format
When to use ARW
- capture ingest
- editing
- web or print delivery
- Preserve capture-stage sensor information.
When to use CRW
- capture ingest
- editing
- web or print delivery
- Preserve capture-stage sensor information.
FAQs
Why convert ARW to CRW?
Choose CRW as target when maintaining compatibility with older Canon raw libraries or recovering historical camera originals.
What changes when converting ARW to CRW?
Convert to CRW when maintaining compatibility with older Canon raw libraries or recovering historical camera originals. In most current workflows it is a source to preserve or migrate, not a preferred new output format.
What should I review after converting ARW to CRW?
After conversion, review these destination checks: Open converted output in vendor photo software and verify behavior on real samples; Compare output against the expected raw quality profile; Compatibility often depends on vendor or decoder support.
How can I keep quality stable in ARW to CRW conversion?
Run representative samples, keep settings deterministic, and monitor these risks: They are source formats, not publication-ready outputs; Compatibility often depends on vendor or decoder support; Validate destination compatibility before large-batch conversion.