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.
FITS at a glance
FITS
FITS became a durable scientific standard because observatories, spacecraft, and analysis tools needed a stable interchange format that outlived individual instruments and software stacks.
Format comparison
| Feature | ARW | FITS |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Image | Image |
| Extensions |
|
|
| MIME type |
|
|
| Compression / quality | raw | depends |
| File size characteristics | large | medium |
| Compatibility | limited | broad |
| Editability | high | moderate |
| Created year | 2006 | 1981 |
| Inventor | Sony | NASA / astronomical data community |
| Status | proprietary | active |
| Transparency | Not supported | Not supported |
| Animation | Not supported | Not supported |
| Primary use cases |
|
|
| Common software |
|
|
| Archival suitability | strong | moderate |
| Metadata handling | rich | moderate |
| Delivery profile | limited | strong |
| Workflow fit | source | delivery |
| Layer support | Not supported | Not supported |
| Vector scaling | Not supported | Not supported |
| Camera raw data | Supported | Not 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 FITS
- capture ingest
- editing
- web or print delivery
- Strong fit for scientific metadata-rich imaging.
FAQs
Why convert ARW to FITS?
Choose FITS as target when preserving scientific image data, observation metadata, or instrument-derived captures for astronomy and research workflows.
What changes when converting ARW to FITS?
Convert to FITS when preserving scientific image data, observation metadata, or instrument-derived captures for astronomy and research workflows. It is the right target when measurement context matters as much as the picture itself.
What should I review after converting ARW to FITS?
After conversion, review these destination checks: Open converted output in astronomy tools and verify behavior on real samples; Compare output against the expected depends quality profile; Not designed as a mainstream consumer image format.
How can I keep quality stable in ARW to FITS conversion?
Run representative samples, keep settings deterministic, and monitor these risks: Validation needs domain-aware tools, not just generic viewers; Not designed as a mainstream consumer image format; Validate destination compatibility before large-batch conversion.