FormatDrop
Image Format

ARW

Sony Alpha Raw

ARW is Sony's RAW photo format — used by Sony Alpha cameras (A7, A6000, RX100 series, and many more). RAW files contain the full unprocessed sensor data, giving photographers maximum editing latitude in Lightroom, Capture One, or Photoshop. When you need to share, post, or print ARW photos, you need to convert or export to JPG.

What is ARW?

ARW (Sony Alpha Raw) is Sony's proprietary RAW format for digital cameras, used across the entire Sony Alpha mirrorless line, Sony RX compact cameras, and older Sony DSLR cameras. Like all camera RAW formats (Canon CR2/CR3, Nikon NEF, Fujifilm RAF), ARW files contain the raw, unprocessed data directly from the camera sensor — before any white balance, sharpening, colour grading, or noise reduction is applied. This means ARW files contain vastly more tonal and colour information than the camera's in-camera JPEG processing would keep: full 14-bit per channel colour depth (vs. 8-bit JPEG), complete highlight and shadow detail that would be clipped in a JPG, and the ability to shift white balance completely without any quality loss. The trade-offs: ARW files are large (20–70 MB each depending on camera resolution), cannot be opened by standard photo viewing software without a Sony-specific codec or RAW-capable editor, and require a processing step before sharing. Common software for working with ARW files: Adobe Lightroom Classic (industry standard), Capture One (popular with professionals), Sony's free Imaging Edge software, darktable (free, open-source), and Photoshop with Camera Raw. On Windows, Microsoft Camera Codec Pack adds ARW thumbnail and preview support to File Explorer, but still requires a RAW editor for proper conversion.

ARW pros and cons

Advantages

  • Full sensor data — maximum editing latitude for exposure, colour, highlights, shadows
  • 14-bit colour depth — far more tonal information than 8-bit JPEG
  • Non-destructive — original sensor data preserved regardless of edits
  • Recoverable highlights and shadows — rescue under/overexposed shots
  • No compression artefacts — pure sensor data

Limitations

  • Large file sizes — 20–70 MB per photo
  • Cannot be shared directly — must be exported to JPG or PNG first
  • Requires RAW-compatible software to open and edit
  • Windows and macOS need additional software for thumbnail previews
  • ARW versions vary by camera model — not all software handles all ARW variants

When should you convert ARW files?

Convert ARW to JPG when you need to share photos, post on social media, upload to web services, send by email, or print without a RAW editor. The conversion is typically done inside a RAW editor (Lightroom, Capture One, Imaging Edge) after editing for maximum quality. For quick conversion without editing, FormatDrop converts ARW to JPG in your browser using a RAW decoding library.

Convert ARW files

ARW→JPG

All FormatDrop conversions run entirely in your browser — no file upload, no server processing. Your files stay on your device.

ARW FAQ

How do I open ARW files on Windows?
Windows requires additional software to open ARW files. Options: (1) Install the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack (free) for thumbnail previews in File Explorer and Photos app viewing — search 'Camera Codec Pack' in Microsoft Store. (2) Use Adobe Lightroom (paid) for full editing capabilities. (3) Download Sony Imaging Edge Desktop (free) for viewing and basic editing of Sony ARW files. (4) Use darktable (free, open-source) which supports ARW from most Sony cameras. (5) For quick JPG conversion without any software, use FormatDrop in Chrome or Edge.
Should I shoot ARW or JPEG on my Sony camera?
ARW for professional or important shots where you'll edit in Lightroom or Capture One — you get maximum editing latitude. JPEG for casual shooting, sports/action where you need fast continuous shots (RAW fills the buffer faster), or when you need images ready to share immediately. Many Sony cameras support RAW+JPEG mode — saving both simultaneously — which gives you the edited JPEG for immediate use and the ARW as an editable backup.
Why are my ARW files showing as unsupported?
Newer Sony cameras often have updated ARW variants that older software versions don't support yet. Adobe, Capture One, and darktable release regular updates to support new camera models. Check if your RAW editor is up to date — Sony's ARW from a camera released in the last 6 months may not be supported in older software versions. Alternatively, use Sony's free Imaging Edge software, which always supports the latest ARW from Sony cameras.

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