A CR2 file is a raw image captured by a Canon digital camera

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.

What Is a CR2 File?

Person managing CR2 files

Lifewire / Miguel Co

The format is based on the TIFF file specification and stores uncompressed, high-quality image data.

The 3D modeling program Poser uses CR2 files, too.

The version 2 format replaces the CRW format used by older Canon cameras.

Version 3 (.CR3) is another format, introduced in 2018.

How to Open a CR2 File

CR2 images can be opened with free programs likeIrfanViewandUFRaw.

Although certainly not free,Adobe Photoshopis another popular program that works with CR2 files.

It can adjust the temperature, tint, exposure, contrast, whites, shadows, and more.

Google Photosand Apple Photos support this format as well.

If you’re on Linux, consider using the freegThumborgphoto2app.

Other similar applications work, too, likeDAZ StudioandAutodesk 3ds Max.

fire up the file in one of those programs and then see which export or save options are available.

Common options include JPG, TIFF, and PNG.

TheAdobe DNG Converteris a free CR2 toDNGconverter.

However, if you do go this route, tryZamzar.

There are alsofree software-based file converters.

Most are easy to use and work on all operating systems.

You may be able to convert a Poser character rigging file using the Poser program.

Other programs that can import the file can probably also export it to a different format.

Still Can’t Open It?

JPEGs are much smaller images that are better for storing and delivering images.