arw 

ARW File Extension

Have a problem opening a .ARW file? We collect information about file formats and can explain what ARW files are. Additionally we recommend software suitable for opening or converting such files.

What is the .ARW file type?

The .arw filename extension primarily relates to the Sony Digital Camera Raw Image format and the related ARW file type. ARW is a TIFF-based raw (unprocessed) format that, similar to RAW by other digital camera manufacturers, is used by Sony still-image cameras to store raster data obtained from the camera's sensor matrix with no or very little processing.

An .arw file is a relatively large uncompressed digital image file in the ARW format. While Sony cameras can save image both as .jpg and .arw, ARW may be the preferred format for professional purposes. In contrast to JPEG, an .arw raw image retains maximum image data possible and allows non-destructive editing. An ARW image can be thought of as a highest-quality master image that can be post-processed and converted into another format (like JPEG) for publishing.



ARW (like RAW) is supported by many generic or dedicated RAW image viewers on most platforms, and there are converters available to convert ARW raw images into intermediary non-lossy formats like TIFF or PNG for editing. In some cases, an .arw image can be imported directly into an image editor (through a plugin).


Alternatively, the .arw extension used to be associated with the ArtStudio Artwork (ARW) format and file type. ArtStudio is a commercial software for MS Windows by Drawing Hand Creations that allows free-hand drawing with a number of tools within a simple GUI interface. With earlier versions of ArtStudio, .arw files were used as project-type files to save ArtStudio raster artwork. Presently, ArtStudio artwork files are assigned the .artwork extension instead.



Software to open or convert ARW files

You can open ARW files with the following programs:
CyberLink Power Media Player
CyberLink Power Media Player by CyberLink Corp.
 
PicosmosTools
PicosmosTools by Free Time
 
CyberLink PowerDVD
CyberLink PowerDVD by CyberLink Corp.
 


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