Sony Raw Image (.ARW)
ARW (Alpha Raw) is Sony's proprietary raw image format used by Sony Alpha mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Based on the TIFF specification, it stores unprocessed 12-bit or 14-bit sensor data with complete metadata. ARW files can be either uncompressed or use Sony's lossy or lossless compressed raw encoding.
Advantages of Sony Raw Image
What the ARW format does well, and why you might choose it.
- Preserves full unprocessed sensor data for maximum post-processing latitude
- Supports both compressed and uncompressed raw storage options
- Well-supported by major photo editing applications including Lightroom and Capture One
Limitations of Sony Raw Image
What the ARWformat doesn't do well, and when to choose another format.
- Proprietary format with no publicly available specification
- Large file sizes, especially in uncompressed mode
- Requires raw-capable software for viewing and editing
What ARW files are used for
- Professional photography with Sony Alpha series cameras
- Raw photo editing and non-destructive development
- High-quality archival of photographic captures
Convert to ARW
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Frequently asked questions about ARW
What is a .ARW file?
ARW (Alpha Raw) is Sony's proprietary raw image format used by Sony Alpha mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Based on the TIFF specification, it stores unprocessed 12-bit or 14-bit sensor data with complete metadata. ARW files can be either uncompressed or use Sony's lossy or lossless compressed raw encoding.
What is the MIME type of ARW?
The official MIME type for ARW files is image/x-sony-arw. This is the value web servers and applications use to identify the format when transferring files.
What category does ARW belong to?
ARW is a Image Converter format. Files in this category share common conversion paths and use cases.
How do I open a .ARW file?
ARW files are typically opened by software that natively supports the Sony Raw Imageformat. If you don't have a compatible application, the most reliable approach is to convert the file to a more universal format using the converters listed above. Most Sony Raw Image files convert to widely-supported alternatives in seconds.
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