What Is a .CR2 File – Canon RAW Explained

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Edited by

Ben Jacklin

November 11, 2025

31413

Key takeaways

I’ve spent a lot of time working with CR2 files from Canon cameras and found they’re excellent for editing but not ideal for sharing without conversion.
CR2 is a lossless RAW format. It keeps every bit of detail straight from the camera sensor, making it perfect for editing in tools like Photoshop^® or Lightroom^®.
You can open CR2 files easily on both PC and Mac using free and paid tools. It is even possible on iOS using the Photos app.
When I need smaller, shareable versions, I usually convert CR2 to JPEG or PNG without noticeable quality loss.
Keep your CR2 files for editing and archiving, but export to JPEG or PNG for uploading or quick sharing.

When I first accessed the files from my Canon camera, I noticed yet another new file format. I was instantly confused by CR2 files and their purpose but it really doesn’t make a big difference to the workflow. Canon users should get used to seeing an extension of .cr2 files. CR2 is a popular extension from the Canon camera that offers a lot of benefits.

Just what is a CR2 file, and how can it be opened? This guide explains what a CR2 meaning is, how to open a CR2 file, and how it differs from other extensions such as JPG.

I knew what a raw file was but I assumed that they were all the same – not the case. A Canon CR2 file is a RAW photography file format specifically created by Canon digital camera. CR2 is short for Canon Raw 2 (which means it is 2nd edition). It stores lossless details from the camera without any form of processing or loss of image quality. These pictures have to be opened with a Canon CR2 viewer and converted into easier-to-manage file formats such as PNG and JPEG. I had some editing software to handle it but I can see how it could confuse people. You need to know how to view CR2 files and the details of the CR2 file format.

CR2 files are generally uncompressed to preserve more data and more quality. I got much better results when I started using them over JPEGs. They are larger than JPEG and contain metadata such as lens info, white balance, and bracketing information. The lossless nature of CR2 makes it suitable for keeping an image's originality and can record up to 14 bits of RGB, unlike formats like JPEG that only records 8 bits of RGB (this is why the images end up looking better after editing).

Canon has been using the CR2 photo format since their 1D Mark II, 350D, and 20D camera models (they were some time ago). For that reason, this file of type is one of the popular and commonly RAW image formats available.

Converting and opening a CR2 file can be achieved in various ways, and Movavi Video Converter offers an easier way to do that. With this tool, you can convert any CR2 file to any format smoothly, even if you have no prior experience with CR2 image converters. I find Movavi’s interface to be a lot more intuitive than some other photo editing software. Some of it is incredibly confusing if you just want to convert and open a file. Download and install it today, and forget about the worries of converting CR2 image files.

A Canon CR2 file is a RAW photography file format created by Canon digital camera. CR2 is short for Canon Raw 2 (2nd edition). It stores lossless details from the camera without any form of processing, data loss, or loss of image quality. These pictures have to be opened with a Canon CR2 viewer and converted into easier-to-manage file formats such as PNG and JPEG.

CR2 files are generally uncompressed, high quality, and large. They are larger than JPEG and contain metadata such as lens info, white balance, and bracketing information. The lossless nature of CR2 makes it suitable for keeping an image's originality and can record up to 14 bits of RGB, unlike formats like JPEG that only records 8 bits of RGB.

Canon has been using the CR2 file format since their 1D Mark II, 350D, and 20D camera models. For that reason, this file of type is one of the popular and commonly RAW image formats available.

Converting and opening a CR2 file can be achieved in various ways, and Movavi Video Converter offers an easier way to do that. With this tool, you can convert any CR2 file to any format smoothly, even if you have no prior experience with CR2 image converters. Download and install it today, and forget about the worries of converting CR2 image files.

How to open a .cr2 file

I have my own preferred methods but the CR2 image format can be achieved in a lot of ways. But before you even think of downloading any available program that can open these files, try if your operating system can open these files. Some Windows versions will allow you to achieve that if only Canon Raw Codec Software or Microsoft Camera Codec Pack is installed. You can do that by double-clicking on the file and seeing if that is possible. If it does, you are all set. If not, then consider downloading a program that can do that properly.

Using a CR2 viewer

I have used everything from lightweight apps like a CR2 viewer through to pro editing software. Many free viewers can open the CR2 file natively. Here are a few programs to view CR2 files.

Adobe^® Photoshop^®

OS
macOS, Windows

I find this to be a pro option if you are looking to edit pictures and improve their look – RAW files are often essential for this and Photoshop® remains the most reliable way to open and edit CR2 files. It automatically opens them through Adobe Camera Raw. This process lets you adjust exposure and color balance before the image even reaches the main editing window.

How to open CR2 in Photoshop^®:

Launch Photoshop^®.
Go to File – Open, and select your CR2 file.
Adjust image settings in the Camera Raw window.
Click Open to start editing.

Adobe^® Lightroom^®

OS
macOS, Windows

I often use Lightroom^® for batch-editing RAW photos and CR2s. The 2025 update handles Canon’s latest formats quickly and supports automatic lens correction and noise reduction. Lightroom^® can be used online now (it’s come a long way since the first time I used the software).

How to open CR2 in Lightroom^®:

Open Lightroom^® and click Import.
Choose your CR2 images from a folder or other drive.
Lightroom^® will display previews. Simply click Import again to load them.
Edit using the Develop tab or apply presets.

Photos app on iOS

OS
macOS, iOS

If you transfer CR2 photos from your camera to your iPhone or iPad, the built-in Photos app can now open and display them directly. I tested this on iOS 26 and it worked smoothly without conversion.

How to open CR2 on iOS:

AirDrop or import photos from your Canon camera.
Open the Photos app. Your CR2 files appear as regular images.
Tap Edit for basic adjustments or share them as JPEGs.

IrfanView

OS
Windows

I know not everyone wants hefty software that has loads of features and functions. For Windows users, IrfanView is my favorite free option. It’s lightweight and works well with the optional Canon RAW plugin.

How to open CR2 in IrfanView:

Install IrfanView and the IrfanView Plugins pack.
Right-click any CR2 file and choose Open with IrfanView.
Use File and Save As to convert to JPG or PNG if needed.

RawTherapee

OS
macOS, Windows

If you want a free cross-platform editor, RawTherapee is a solid choice. I’ve used it for fine-tuning exposure and white balance on RAW images without compression.

How to open CR2 in RawTherapee:

Download and install RawTherapee.
Open the app and drag your CR2 file into the browser.
Edit and export to JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.

No prior conversion is required to use any of the above CR2 viewers to open CR2 files. These are just a few of the CR2 readers you can use. I have used a few other lightweight tools that have been fine for the job.

Convert CR2 to a different format using Movavi Video Converter

If you want to view .cr2 files on any device, convert the photos to another format. Converting a CR2 file is a breeze with a suitable file converter, and there is arguably no better tool for this job than Movavi Video Converter. This program is easy to use, making it ideal for you even if you have not used it before or have no prior experience with CR2 converters.

And unlike most CR2 converters that often lead to a significant loss in picture quality, Movavi Video Converter guarantees the best outcome for each conversion. Besides, it can convert a batch of CR2 files to JPG at lightning speed.

Besides its unique conversion ability, Movavi Video Converter comes with extra features to improve the output. For example, with the editing tool, you can enhance your pictures' quality by changing their various aspects. The compression feature makes it possible to shrink the storage requirements for each batch conversion.

To use Movavi Video Converter, download a version compatible with your operating system and follow these steps to convert CR2 files to any desirable format.

How to open CR2 files with Movavi Video Converter and change the file format

Once the download is complete, install Movavi Video Converter by following the on-screen instructions.
Launch it and add the RAW file you wish to change. You can add multiple pictures at the same time for batch conversion.
Select the image format. You can do that by opening the Images tab and choosing the desired format. If you want to change your image's resolution, hit the Cogwheel button to customize the selected preset.
A new window will open, set the frame to Custom and adjust the width and height. Once done, hit OK. If you don't make any changes to the original resolution, the image will be saved as it is. You can also crop your picture if you wish.
Specify where you want the output to be saved and click Convert. Wait for the process to complete. Movavi Video Converter is super-fast. You won't wait for long.
After the conversion is complete, the folder containing your files will open automatically.

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How to open CR2 files with Movavi Video Converter and change the file format

1. Once the download is complete, install Movavi Video Converter by following the on-screen instructions.

2. Launch it and add the RAW file you wish to change. You can add multiple pictures at the same time for batch conversion.

3. Select the image format. You can do that by opening the Images tab and choosing the desired format. If you want to change your image's resolution, hit the Cogwheel button to customize the selected preset. A new window will open, set the frame to Custom and adjust the width and height. Once done, hit OK. If you don't make any changes to the original resolution, the image will be saved as it is. You can also crop your picture if you wish.

4. Specify where you want the output to be saved and click Convert. Wait for the process to complete. Movavi Video Converter is super-fast. You won't wait for long.

5. After the conversion is complete, the folder containing your files will open automatically.

When to open and when to convert

From my own experience shooting with Canon cameras, I’ve learned that CR2 files are best for the editing stage. When I open a CR2 image in Photoshop or Lightroom I can pull back highlights and adjust colors in ways that just aren’t possible with a compressed file. It’s the format I rely on when I want every bit of sensor data. Shooting something detailed means trying to get the most information.

I almost always convert my CR2s once I’m done editing or if I just want to send proofs. The files are huge, and they’re not the most convenient for sharing or storing in bulk. It can be easier to convert to JPEG for quick sharing or to PNG when I need lossless quality. I still keep the CR2 originals archived on an external drive.

File type comparison

What are CR2 files and how are they different from other formats? Let’s compare popular image formats.

Format

Type

Compression

Image quality

File size

Best for

CR2

RAW (Canon)

Lossless

Maximum detail, editable

Large

Professional photo editing and archiving

JPEG

Raster

Lossy

Good, but some data lost

Small

Sharing online, everyday photography

PNG

Raster

Lossless

Excellent, supports transparency

Medium

Graphics, web images, screenshots

Still can't open the file?

I find there are always hiccups and the CR2 file type can very occasionally fail to open even when you have the right CR2 image viewer. If that is happening, there is a high possibility you are misreading the CR2 file extensions and importing a different file. For example, you could be mistaking RC2 or CRX for CR2 extension as they look almost alike. It is also possible the software might have a bug. Update your OS and the apps you are using.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CR2 vs. JPG?

The main difference between CR2 vs. JPEG files is that CR2 files are much larger than JPG. Try shoot in RAW, then switch to JPG, and you will see which pictures consume more storage. RAW files also contain metadata and store lossless details, making them ideal for preserving the image's originality.

RAW images also aren't simply manipulated as JPEG, and as such, they can be used as proof of your photograph's ownership and authenticity. Additionally, a RAW image has a broader range of dynamic range and color gamut than a JPEG image. As such, in the case of shadow and highlight recovery, they offer a much better recovery option than the counterpart JPEG. And since no sharpening is done on RAW images, they are a preferred choice for sharpening algorithms compared to JPEG.

How to view CR2 on Windows 7?

To open CR2 files on Windows 7, download and install a built-up program for Windows 7, such as IrfanView. Import your file or drag and drop it into the program. Your file will be displayed, and you will be able to see its content. Before downloading any application, confirm whether Windows will open your RAW file. If either Canon Raw Codec Software or Microsoft Camera Codec Pack is installed, it may open your file.

How to view CR2 on Mac?

If you are not new to how to open CR2 files on Windows, you won't have any challenge learning how to view CR2 files on Mac. The only thing you have to do is to download and install a CR2 viewer Mac version.

The only time you may face some challenges is when the application you intend to use has no Mac version. Here are some Mac CR2 readers you can use to open CR2 files: Apple Photos, RawTherapee, FastRawViewer, Darktable.

Can I convert CR2 to JPG with Photoshop®?

Yes, it is possible, and here is how to do that. Navigate to Edit → Scripts → Image Processor. In the 1st panel, hit on Select Folder to move to where you have saved RAW images. Navigate to the 2nd panel and select where you wish to save the converted files. Ensure to select Save as JPG, you can resize your image and then hit Run. Photoshop^® will do the rest. Once the conversion is complete, locate the image and open it.

How to edit CR2 files?

There are numerous CR2 editors out there you can count on to edit the CR2 file. Some are free, while others require you to purchase. Here is a short list of CR2 editors we recommend using: