Images · .arw
What Is an ARW File?
A .arw file is a RAW photo file from a Sony camera.
- Extension
- .arw
- Full name
- Sony Alpha RAW
- Type
- Image
- Developed by
- Sony
Free ARW Tools
These run in your browser. Your ARW files are never uploaded.
About ARW Files
ARW is the RAW format of Sony Alpha cameras. It stores the unprocessed sensor data, so photographers can make large exposure and colour adjustments that a JPG couldn't survive. Depending on the camera settings, ARW files can be uncompressed, losslessly compressed or lossy compressed. Sony's free Imaging Edge Desktop software develops them, and every major RAW editor supports them, although brand-new camera models may need a software update.
How to Open an ARW File
- Windows
- Install the Raw Image Extension from the Microsoft Store, or open it in Sony Imaging Edge, Lightroom, Capture One or darktable.
- Mac
- Preview and Photos open ARW files from supported cameras.
- iPhone & Android
- Lightroom Mobile opens ARW files.
ARW File Questions
Why won't my new Sony camera's ARW files open?
Apps add support for each new camera model separately. Update your editor or operating system, or convert the files to DNG with Adobe DNG Converter.
Is ARW better than JPG?
For editing, yes, because it keeps much more detail and dynamic range. For sharing, export a JPG.