.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.

Home Extension Index Images in index Images category page

Last updated: June 11, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page

Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description 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; we remove fantasy menus and unsafe shortcuts.
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: whether external links point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; we avoid inventing details we cannot ground.
Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless.

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

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

Full Windows guide

Mac

Control-click the .CR2 file and choose 'Open With'.
Select Adobe Lightroom or Preview if installed.

Full Mac guide

Linux

Open the .CR2 file with an image viewer like Darktable.
Alternatively, use GIMP with the UFRaw plugin.

Full Linux guide

iOS

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

Full iOS guide

Android

Open the .CR2 file from Files or Downloads.
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.

Complex decoders and untrusted media

Image, audio, and video decoders are large software surfaces; issues are uncommon for everyday files but show up with crafted files from unknown sources. Keeping the OS and media apps updated matters most; scanning is reasonable extra caution for downloads you cannot vouch for.

Avast

Avast offers free and premium antivirus software that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. Scan files before opening them to ensure safety.

Norton

Norton 360 delivers comprehensive antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. Scan files for threats before opening to keep your device secure.

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

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

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

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.

Similar file extensions

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