Camera RAW conversion
Convert ARW to GIF
Updated Jul 2026
ARW is the raw photo format Sony cameras save to, and GIF is a simple, low-color image format best known for memes and short animations. To convert, open the ARW file in a converter and export it as GIF. Doing this on your own computer keeps the raw file, and the camera and location data inside it, off other people's servers.
- Extension
- .arw
- Type
- Camera RAW
- Typically
- Sony cameras
- Metadata
- Carries EXIF
- Extension
- .gif
- Type
- Images
- Typically
- Animations, memes
- Transparency
- Supported
Convert ARW to GIF on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
How to convert ARW to GIF
- Open Morphjet and drag in the ARW file, or a whole folder from your Sony camera's memory card.
- Choose GIF as the output format.
- Convert. The GIF is written next to your original, and nothing leaves your machine.
ARW vs GIF: what actually changes
| ARW | GIF | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | Large, often 20 to 60 MB per shot | Small, usually a fraction of that |
| Color depth | Full sensor range, billions of shades | Limited to 256 colors total |
| Quality | Untouched sensor data | Flattened, visible banding on photos |
| Compatibility | No, needs raw photo software | Yes, opens everywhere, including browsers |
| Metadata | Yes, full EXIF and camera settings | No, GIF doesn't store it |
| Editing headroom | Full, exposure and white balance still adjustable | None, it's a finished, flattened image |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert ARW to GIF when you just need a quick, low-stakes preview of a shot for a chat, forum post, or meme, something that has to open instantly with no raw software involved.
Keep the ARW if you actually care about the photo, since GIF's 256-color limit throws away almost all the detail and color depth your camera captured.
Why not just use an online converter?
An ARW file carries full EXIF metadata, including your camera's settings and often the GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken. Sending it to an online converter, just to shrink it down to a 256-color GIF, means all of that rides along to someone else's server. Converting on your own computer keeps the raw file, and everything recorded inside it, on your machine.
Questions
Does converting ARW to GIF lose quality?
Yes, quite a lot. GIF only supports 256 colors, so a raw photo with millions of shades gets flattened and often shows visible banding, especially in skies and skin tones. It works for a rough preview, not for anything you want to look sharp.
Why would anyone convert a raw photo to GIF?
Usually just for a fast, disposable preview, something to drop into a chat or forum that opens instantly without raw software. For anything you want to actually look good, JPG or PNG keeps far more detail.
Will the GIF keep my camera's metadata?
No. GIF isn't built to hold EXIF data, so the camera model, exposure settings, and GPS location stored in the ARW are dropped during conversion.
Can I convert ARW to GIF without uploading it anywhere?
Yes. Morphjet converts the file on your own computer, so the raw photo never travels over the internet, even with your wifi off.
Can I convert a whole folder of ARW files at once?
Yes, you can drag in an entire folder from your memory card and convert all of them to GIF in one pass.
Morphjet converts ARW, GIF, and 1,800+ other formats, all on your machine. Launching this July.