Skip to content
Open-The-File.com

.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.

HomeExtension IndexImages in indexImages category page

Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description plausibly matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps. Not every step was tested on every OS version.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: external links should point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; not every detail is individually sourced.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless. Pages without “Reviewed by” have not been through this editorial pass yet.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

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

  1. Right-click the .CR2 file and choose 'Open with'.
  2. Select Adobe Lightroom or Canon Digital Photo Professional.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Control-click the .CR2 file and choose 'Open With'.
  2. Select Adobe Lightroom or Preview if installed.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Open the .CR2 file with an image viewer like Darktable.
  2. Alternatively, use GIMP with the UFRaw plugin.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Open the .CR2 file in Files and tap 'Share'.
  2. Select an app like Adobe Lightroom that supports CR2 files.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Open the .CR2 file from Files or Downloads.
  2. Use an app like Adobe Lightroom for Android.
Full Android guide

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.

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

  1. Ensure that compatible software like Adobe Lightroom is installed.
  2. Check the file integrity by downloading it again from a trusted source.

Repair a damaged .CR2 file

If the file opens with errors or not at all, a dedicated repair tool can often rebuild it. Work on a copy and keep the original file untouched.

Wondershare Repairit (Files and Photos)

Repairs damaged Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and ZIP files as well as corrupt photos.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

Recover a deleted or lost .CR2 file

If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.

Wondershare Recoverit

Windows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .CR2 to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .CR2 files into formats your software supports.

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.

  1. Ensure that compatible software like Adobe Lightroom is installed.
  2. Check the file integrity by downloading it again from a trusted source.

CR2 file opens slowly

Large file size can cause slow opening times.

  1. Use a computer with better processing power.
  2. 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.

Similar file extensions

Compare related formats in the same category to find the right tool faster.

Did this guide help?