How do I open a .ARW file on Windows or Mac?

You can open .ARW files using Sony Imaging Edge, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One for Sony, Darktable. If you do not have native software installed, you can use OpenAnyFile's free File Identifier or convert .ARW to a standard format in your browser.

Is a .ARW file safe to open?

This format carries a safety rating of Low Risk. Uses TIFF-based tag headers with Sony proprietary IFD entries

Can I convert a .ARW file to other formats?

Yes! .ARW can be converted to formats such as .JPG directly in your web browser.

What should I do if a .ARW file is corrupted or won't open?

If your .ARW file displays an invalid header or signature error, check its magic bytes hex header (Varies) using OpenAnyFile's Magic Byte Detector or follow our step-by-step file repair guide.

How do I open .ARW files?

You can open .ARW files using Sony Imaging Edge, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One for Sony, Darktable.

Images • MIME: image/x-sony-arw

.ARW – ARW File Format

Q: What is a .ARW file?

A .ARW file is a ARW File Format associated with Images. Guide to Sony .ARW uncompressed and compressed RAW photos. Learn how Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras store sensor data and develop photos in Lightroom.

Guide to Sony .ARW uncompressed and compressed RAW photos. Learn how Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras store sensor data and develop photos in Lightroom.

Primary Category Images

MIME Type image/x-sony-arw

Magic Bytes Signature Varies

Security Risk Rating Low Risk

Recommended Software to Open .ARW

Sony Imaging Edge

windows, mac, linux • Free

Adobe Lightroom

windows, mac, linux • Free

Capture One for Sony

windows, mac, linux • Free

Darktable

windows, mac, linux • Free