What is an ARW file?
ARW file is also know as Alpha Raw file. It is a type of digital image used by Sony cameras and contains raw, unprocessed data captured by camera’s image sesnor. The captured data is uncompressed and retains all the original information captured by camera allowing greater flexibilty in post processing.
ARW files typically store a high level of detail, dynamic range and color depth. They provide photographers with more control over aspects such as white balance, exposure, and noise reduction during editing process. However, since ARW files are raw and unprocessed, they require specialized software to view and edit properly.
ARW files (.arw) are raw image files—essentially digital negatives—produced by many Sony camera models. These files contain unprocessed image data, meaning they bypass in-camera processing features to preserve the original scene as captured by the sensor. Unlike JPEG files, which are compressed and often under 1 MB, ARW files can be significantly larger, sometimes reaching 1–2 GB in size, especially if they store multiple images. ARW file names typically include a sequential number (e.g., “…1”), which increments with each new photo captured.
ARW Files vs. RAW Files: What’s the Difference?
RAW is a generic term for unprocessed image files produced by digital cameras. These files retain all the original data captured by the camera sensor, offering maximum flexibility for editing and post-processing.
ARW (Alpha Raw) is Sony’s specific version of a RAW file. It’s a proprietary format used by Sony digital cameras and follows Sony’s internal standards for storing image data.
Key Differences:
| Feature | RAW (Generic) | ARW (Sony) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Generic term for unprocessed image data | Specific RAW format used by Sony |
| File Extension | Varies by brand (e.g., .CR2, .NEF, .RAF) | .arw |
| Camera Brands | Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, etc. | Sony only |
| Compatibility | May vary depending on camera brand/software | Widely supported by software like Photoshop, Lightroom, Sony Imaging Edge |
| Custom Metadata | Varies by brand | Tailored to Sony cameras’ settings and features |
Think of RAW as a category and ARW as a specific type within that category, much like how DOCX is a specific type of document file. So, all ARW files are RAW files, but not all RAW files are ARW.
How to open an ARW file?
ARW file can be opened using various image editing applications. Some of them are following
- Microsoft Photos with Raw Image Extension
- Apple Preview
- Imaging Edge by Sony
- Adobe Photoshop
- Corel PaintShop Pro
- Google Photos
How to convert an ARW file?
You can use the following softwares to convert an ARW file into various other formats.
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom
- Capture One
- Sony Imaging Edge
- XnConvert
- RawTherapee
- IrfanView
Using the above softwares, ARW file can be converted to
- PNG - Portable Network Graphic
- JPEG - JPEG Image
- GIF - Graphical Interchange Format
- PSD - Adobe Photoshop Document
- BMP - Bitmap Image
- TIFF - Tagged Image File Format
What is the format of ARW file?
The format of ARW file is binary format.
