Camera RAW

What is a CR2 file?

Updated Jul 2026

Definition

CR2 (Canon RAW 2) is the raw image format many Canon cameras save alongside or instead of JPG. It holds the full, uncompressed data straight off the sensor, along with EXIF metadata, so photographers get maximum editing flexibility. The tradeoff is a much larger file that most photo viewers and websites can't open directly.

CR2Canon RAW 2

Extension: .cr2
Type: Camera RAW
Typically: Canon cameras
Metadata: Carries EXIF

Why CR2 exists

Canon introduced CR2 to replace its earlier CRW format, and it became the standard raw format across most Canon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for years. Instead of processing the image in-camera and compressing it into a JPG, the camera writes out everything the sensor captured.

That means a CR2 file keeps far more detail in shadows and highlights than a JPG ever could, since nothing has been thrown away yet. Adjusting exposure, white balance, or color after the fact works much better on a CR2 than on a compressed image.

The catch is that a CR2 is really raw sensor data, not a finished picture, so it needs software that understands Canon's format to turn it into something you can view or share. Most people run into CR2 when they try to open a camera import in a regular photo viewer, post it online, or hand photos off to someone who doesn't have raw-editing software, and need a JPG or TIFF instead.

The trade-offs

Strengths

Captures the full detail from the camera sensor with no compression loss
Gives much more room to fix exposure and color after the shot
Keeps the original EXIF data, including camera settings, intact
Preferred format for serious photo editing and printing work

Watch-outs

Files are several times larger than a JPG from the same shot
Won't open in most web browsers, phones, or basic photo viewers
Needs converting before you can share, print, or upload it most places
Canon-specific, so support depends on how current your software is

A note on privacy

A CR2 file carries full EXIF metadata, including the camera model, settings, and often GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken. Uploading it to an online converter sends that entire history, image and location, to someone else's server. Converting it on your own computer means the photo and everything attached to it stay on your machine.

Convert a CR2 file

Questions

How do I open a CR2 file?

You need software that reads Canon raw files, such as photo editing or raw-processing tools, or Canon's own software. If you just need to view or share it, converting to JPG or TIFF first is usually easier.

Is CR2 better than JPG?

For editing, yes: CR2 keeps far more detail to work with. For everyday viewing and sharing, no: JPG is much smaller and opens almost everywhere, while CR2 needs specific software.

Why does my Canon camera save CR2 files?

Canon cameras save CR2 when shooting in raw mode so photographers keep the full sensor data for editing. Most cameras let you switch to JPG only in the shooting settings if you'd rather skip raw files.

Can I convert CR2 without uploading it?

Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts CR2 files on your own computer, so the image and its embedded camera and location data never leave your machine.

Will I lose quality converting CR2 to JPG?

Some, since JPG is compressed and raw is not. Converting to TIFF instead keeps quality intact if file size isn't a concern.

Morphjet opens and converts CR2 and 1,800+ other formats, all on your own computer. Launching this July.