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Image Format

CR2

Canon Raw Version 2

CR2 is Canon's proprietary RAW image format used in Canon DSLR cameras from approximately 2004 to 2018 (the EOS 5D Mark II era through EOS 90D). CR2 files contain unprocessed sensor data, full color information, and the camera's recorded metadata — exposures, lens data, white balance. They're significantly larger than JPEG but give photographers complete control over color, exposure, and sharpness in post-processing.

What is CR2?

CR2 stands for Canon Raw version 2. It's a TIFF-based format containing the raw output of Canon's CMOS sensors before any in-camera processing. The sensor data is stored as a Bayer pattern — each pixel records one color (red, green, or blue), and the full-color image is reconstructed through a process called demosaicing in RAW processing software. CR2 files also embed a JPEG preview (for quick display on camera or in file managers), EXIF metadata, and Canon-specific processing settings (Picture Style, in-camera noise reduction preferences). CR2 has been superseded by CR3 in Canon's newer cameras (EOS R-series mirrorless and post-2018 DSLRs), which uses a different container based on ISOBMFF/HEIF.

CR2 pros and cons

Advantages

  • Contains all raw sensor data — maximum editing latitude for exposure, white balance, and color
  • Lossless or near-lossless recording — no JPEG compression artifacts
  • Preserves Canon-specific metadata (Picture Style, lens corrections, AF point data)
  • Supported natively by Canon Digital Photo Professional, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One
  • Reversible workflow — non-destructive editing with sidecar .xmp files

Limitations

  • Large file size — typically 20–30 MB per image at full resolution
  • Requires RAW processing software — not directly viewable in standard image viewers
  • No browser support — can't display in web browsers or embed on websites
  • Superseded by CR3 — Canon's support for older CR2 variants in new software may eventually lag
  • Windows needs a codec pack or Adobe DNG Converter preview for thumbnail display in File Explorer

When should you convert CR2 files?

Convert CR2 to DNG for long-term archiving with lossless compression (reducing file size ~20%) and embedded metadata without sidecar files. Convert to JPEG or WebP for sharing, web use, and social media. Convert to TIFF for printing workflows where editing software requires a rasterized format. Keep CR2 originals always — export JPEGs for sharing but preserve the RAW source.

Convert CR2 files

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

CR2 FAQ

How do I open a CR2 file on Windows?
Install the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack (free from Microsoft) for thumbnail and preview support in File Explorer. For full editing: Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or the free Canon Digital Photo Professional (downloadable from Canon's support site). RawTherapee and darktable (both free, open source) also open CR2 files on Windows, Mac, and Linux. On Windows 11, the Photos app may open CR2 with the Raw Image Extension installed from the Microsoft Store.
What is the difference between CR2 and CR3?
CR2 (Canon Raw v2) is TIFF-based and used in Canon cameras through 2018. CR3 (Canon Raw v3) uses an ISOBMFF container (the same standard as HEIC) and is used in EOS R-series mirrorless cameras and recent DSLRs from 2018 onward. CR3 supports lossless RAW compression natively, resulting in 30–40% smaller files at the same quality. Lightroom added CR3 support in Classic 8.2 (2019). Older software that reads CR2 may not support CR3.
Should I shoot CR2 or JPEG?
Shoot CR2 (RAW) when you want maximum editing control and can't predict lighting exactly — events, weddings, landscape photography. The exposure latitude of CR2 lets you recover highlights or shadows by 2–4 stops in post. Shoot JPEG when you need immediate sharing, your camera storage is limited, or in-camera JPEGs are already excellent (sports with fast review requirements). Many photographers shoot CR2+JPEG simultaneously — CR2 for the master, JPEG for quick sharing.

More formats

HEICWebPAVIFEPUBWebMOpusMP3WAVM4AFLACAACMP4AVIMKVMOVJPGPNGGIFSVGTIFFICOBMPEPSARWOGGWMVPPTXPagesPDFDOCXRAWHEVCH.264AIFFM4VWMA3GPDNGRTFPSDOGVTSFLVAIXLSXCSVZIPAPNGMIDIJPEG XLMPG/MPEGVOBM2TSAC3ALACDTSJP2HEIFAPECBZ3G2SRTDOCPPTXLSODTODSM3URAR7ZM4BAMRTXTMOBITARGZJSONXMLYAMLKEYMTSNEFMXFTGACAFASSVTTDSFRMF4VWVASFRMVBORFRW2EAC-3TTA