FormatDrop
Image Format

ORF

Olympus RAW Format

ORF is the proprietary RAW format used by Olympus cameras (now OM System). Like all RAW formats, ORF contains minimally processed sensor data — the raw photons captured by the sensor before any in-camera JPEG processing. ORF files preserve maximum dynamic range and detail for post-processing in Lightroom, Capture One, or Olympus Workspace.

What is ORF?

ORF files contain a compressed or uncompressed Bayer-pattern sensor readout from Olympus MFT (Micro Four Thirds) sensors, alongside proprietary metadata including Art Filter mode, Olympus Color Creator adjustments, and Pixel Shift Multi Shot data (for ORF files captured with Pixel Shift enabled, which produce 4× resolution composites). The format is based loosely on TIFF/EP with Olympus-proprietary IFDs.

ORF pros and cons

Advantages

  • Maximum dynamic range from the sensor — recoverable highlights and shadows
  • Lossless or near-lossless image data
  • Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode provides extremely high-resolution captures
  • Full colour accuracy adjustment in post without banding
  • Supported by Lightroom, Capture One, RawTherapee, darktable

Limitations

  • Large file sizes compared to JPEG
  • Requires RAW processing software — no native viewer on most OS
  • Olympus Pixel Shift composites require Olympus Workspace for full quality
  • Older ORF files (E-system bodies) may have limited third-party support
  • Not universally supported by simple photo sharing apps

When should you convert ORF files?

Convert ORF to JPEG for sharing and social media — most people don't need or want RAW files. Convert to TIFF-16bit for professional retouching that preserves more bit depth than JPEG. Convert to DNG for a non-proprietary archival RAW format that future software can always open. Use Lightroom or darktable for highest-quality RAW-to-JPEG conversion.

Convert ORF 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.

ORF FAQ

Can I open ORF files on Windows without Olympus software?
Yes — Windows 10/11 can open ORF files with the Microsoft Raw Image Extension (free from the Microsoft Store). Lightroom, Capture One, darktable, and RawTherapee all support ORF. The native Photos app on Windows doesn't support ORF without the extension.
What is ORF+?
ORF+ (.orf or sometimes .orf+) is the file format for Pixel Shift Multi Shot composites on newer OM System bodies (OM-1, OM-5). It stores four RAW frames that Olympus Workspace composites into a single high-resolution image. Only Olympus Workspace and recent versions of some RAW processors handle ORF+ correctly.
Should I shoot RAW (ORF) or JPEG on my Olympus camera?
Shoot ORF (RAW) when you anticipate challenging lighting, want to adjust white balance in post, or expect to do significant editing. Shoot JPEG when shooting volume (wildlife, sports) where you need the speed and storage efficiency, or when your in-camera processing (including Art Filters) produces the look you want directly.

More formats

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