What Is a CR2 File Format? How To Open, Edit, and Convert It

Many pro photographers and graphic designers already know about the .cr2 file. But if you just bought a Cannon camera and see this type whenever saving your captured pics on your device, you might be wondering about it. So, we’ll discuss the CR2 file in detail below. This will include how you can open, edit, or convert it to JPEG on your PC.

Is CR2 the Same as RAW?

CR2 is a specific type of RAW file, but it is not basically the same thing.

RAW is a general term for uncompressed, large, high-quality image formats from any camera sensor. They are like “digital negatives” because they can capture 12 to 24 bits of color information in your pictures.

On the other hand, the CR2 format is used only by certain Canon cameras which include 350D, 20D, and 1D models. Also, it is based on the TIFF file format, which you can update quite easily.

What Program Opens CR2 Files?

When reviewing the CR2 pictures, you may experience issues while opening them with some photo viewers.

Luckily, the default Photos app on Windows (if the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack or Canon Raw Codec Software is installed) or Preview on Mac supports this file format, and here’s how you can open them:

On Windows, simply go to the folder where you’ve saved the CR2 file and double-click its thumbnail. The will will open in the built-in MS Photos app on your PC. Otherwise, right-click the CR2 file, choose Open With, and select Photos from the sub-menu.

If you use a Mac PC, double-click the Finder icon (blue icon with the smiling face) in the Dock, search for the CR2 picture you want to open, and double-click or right-click it. Then, select Open With and choose Preview.

Is CR2 better than JPEG?

Most Photographers swear by the CR2 for a good reason. For one, it stores images with 14 bits of RGB and has key information about the camera, lens, white balance, and bracketing. Due to this, they have higher resolution compared to 8 bits in JPEG.

These files also allow you to edit different parts of your photos without reducing the quality.

JPEG files, on the other hand, are best if you want to edit, share, or print your pictures. That’s because they are quite small and process faster than CR2.

How Do I Change a CR2 File into JPG?

Using the Photos or Preview app on your Windows or Mac, you can easily change the CR2 file into JPG.

Here’s how:

On Mac:

• Right-click the CR2 file.
• Click Open With, and choose Preview.
• In the Preview window, click File > Export.
• Select JPEG in the Format section.
• Click Save.

On Windows:

• Right-click the CR2 image.
• Choose Open With, and select Photos.
• Now, click the three dots in the top ribbon and choose Save As.
• Select JPG format from the drop-down menu next to Save as Type and click Save.

For quick conversion right through your browser, you can also upload your CR2 files to Picflow, FreeConvert, or Convertio online tools. Choose JPG next to Convert To and click Convert All > Save All to export your pictures in JPG format.

How do I Edit a CR2 Image?

When converting CR2 files to JPG format without editing them, they lose their resolution and quality during the process. This is because you don’t have much control over the size, quality, and details during the conversion.

So, it is best to use Photoshop or Canon Digital Photo Professional to edit your pictures first and then export them to other formats.

If you are working with a limited budget, free apps such as Movavi Photo Editor, Snapseed, Darktable, or Adobe Lightroom not only support the CR2 files but also have advanced editing features to tweak your pictures.

Conclusion

To sum it up, we’ve discussed what is a CR2 file format in Canon cameras and how you can work with them.

Now that you know all about this file type, you won’t be facing any trouble while saving and opening your memories on your devices after capturing them with a Cannon camera.