.CR2 file extension
To open .CR2 files on Windows, right-click the .CR2 file and choose 'Open with'.
.CR2 files are raw image files from Canon cameras. To open them, use compatible software like Adobe Lightroom or Canon's Digital Photo Professional.
Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker
Open on your device
Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.
How to open .CR2 files
Use these platform-specific instructions to open .CR2 files safely.
Windows
- Right-click the .CR2 file and choose 'Open with'.
- Select Adobe Lightroom or Canon Digital Photo Professional.
Mac
- Control-click the .CR2 file and choose 'Open With'.
- Select Adobe Lightroom or Preview if installed.
Linux
- Open the .CR2 file with an image viewer like Darktable.
- Alternatively, use GIMP with the UFRaw plugin.
iOS
- Open the .CR2 file in Files and tap 'Share'.
- Select an app like Adobe Lightroom that supports CR2 files.
Android
- Open the .CR2 file from Files or Downloads.
- Use an app like Adobe Lightroom for Android.
Security notes
- Only open CR2 files from trusted sources to avoid malware.
- Keep your photo editing software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Avoid using unknown plugins or extensions with your photo editing software.
Recommended antivirus software
Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.
Avast offers free and premium antivirus software that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. Scan files before opening them to ensure safety.
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Can't open this file?
These are the most common causes and fixes when .CR2 files fail to open.
Common reasons
- CR2 file does not open
- CR2 file opens slowly
Fix steps
- Ensure that compatible software like Adobe Lightroom is installed.
- Check the file integrity by downloading it again from a trusted source.
OS-specific troubleshooting
Convert .CR2 to other formats
Use conversion tools to change .CR2 files into formats your software supports.
- .CR2 → .3FR
- .CR2 → .ARW
- .CR2 → .BAY
- .CR2 → .BMP
- .CR2 → .BMP
- .CR2 → .BMQ
- .CR2 → .CINE
- .CR2 → .CRW
- .CR2 → .CS1
- .CR2 → .DC2
- .CR2 → .DCR
- .CR2 → .DNG
- .CR2 → .EPS
- .CR2 → .ERF
- .CR2 → .FFF
- .CR2 → .GIF
- .CR2 → .GIF
- .CR2 → .HDR
- .CR2 → .HEIC
- .CR2 → .IA
- .CR2 → .ICO
- .CR2 → .JLS
- .CR2 → .JP2
- .CR2 → .JPEG
- .CR2 → .JPG
- .CR2 → .JPG
- .CR2 → .K25
- .CR2 → .KC2
- .CR2 → .KDC
- .CR2 → .MDC
- .CR2 → .MEF
- .CR2 → .MOS
- .CR2 → .MRW
- .CR2 → .NEF
- .CR2 → .NRW
- .CR2 → .ORF
- .CR2 → .PEF
- .CR2 → .PNG
- .CR2 → .PNG
- .CR2 → .PSD
- .CR2 → .PXN
- .CR2 → .QTK
- .CR2 → .RAF
- .CR2 → .RAW
- .CR2 → .RDC
- .CR2 → .RW2
- .CR2 → .RWL
- .CR2 → .SGI
- .CR2 → .SR2
- .CR2 → .SRF
- .CR2 → .SRW
- .CR2 → .STI
- .CR2 → .SVG
- .CR2 → .TGA
- .CR2 → .TIFF
- .CR2 → .TIFF
- .CR2 → .WEBP
- .CR2 → .X3F
- .CR2 → .XBM
- .CR2 → .XPM
What is a .CR2 file?
.CR2 is a file format used by Canon cameras to store raw image data. It preserves all details captured by the camera sensor, allowing for extensive post-processing. This format is favored by professional photographers for its flexibility in editing.
Background
The CR2 file format, or Canon Raw Version 2, is a proprietary format developed by Canon for storing raw image data from their digital cameras. Unlike JPEG files, CR2 files are uncompressed and contain all the information captured by the camera's sensor. This makes them ideal for professional photographers who require high-quality images for editing and post-processing.
CR2 files are typically used in professional photography settings where image quality is paramount. They allow photographers to adjust various parameters such as exposure, white balance, and color balance with minimal loss of quality. Because of their large file size and detailed data, CR2 files are not typically used for everyday photography or sharing on social media.
To work with CR2 files, photographers often use software like Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, or Canon's own Digital Photo Professional. These programs offer a range of tools for editing and converting CR2 files into more common formats like JPEG or TIFF for sharing and printing.
An interesting fact about CR2 files is that they are based on the TIFF file format, which is known for its flexibility and support for high-quality image data. This connection to TIFF allows CR2 files to maintain a high level of detail and quality, making them a preferred choice for professional editing.
Common MIME types: image/x-canon-cr2
Further reading
Authoritative resources for more details on the .CR2 format.
Common .CR2 issues
CR2 file does not open
The file may not open if the necessary software is not installed or the file is corrupted.
- Ensure that compatible software like Adobe Lightroom is installed.
- Check the file integrity by downloading it again from a trusted source.
CR2 file opens slowly
Large file size can cause slow opening times.
- Use a computer with better processing power.
- Close other applications to free up system resources.
FAQ
Can I convert a file by renaming it to .CR2?
No, renaming a file does not convert it. Use conversion software instead.
Is .CR2 safe to open?
Yes, if the file is from a trusted source and opened with reputable software.
How can I convert CR2 to JPEG?
Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Canon Digital Photo Professional to export the CR2 file as a JPEG.
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