File Extension Database

Open ARW File

The .ARW file extension is primarily associated with digital photos captured by Sony digital cameras, known as Sony Alpha Raw image files. ARW files contain raw, uncompressed image data as well as information about the settings of the camera at the time the photo was taken. This article will delve into the specifics of .ARW files and the various methods to open and use them.

1. ARW as Sony Alpha Raw Image Files

ARW files are a type of raw image file from Sony digital cameras. Raw files are called 'raw' because they contain unprocessed or minimally processed data from the image sensor of the digital camera. The benefit of raw files is that they offer users more control over parameters like white balance, exposure, and color saturation during post-processing.

Opening ARW Sony Alpha Raw Image Files

You can open ARW files using a variety of photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are popular choices for professionals, but other programs like Corel AfterShot Pro, Capture One, and darktable can also handle ARW files. In addition, Sony provides its own free software, Imaging Edge Desktop, for opening and editing ARW files. Some of these applications also allow you to convert ARW files to more universally compatible formats like JPEG or PNG.

ARW File Important Information

The .ARW file format is essentially a raw image file type from Sony digital cameras. The main advantage of raw files is the greater control they offer during image post-processing, enabling photographers to extract the maximum quality and detail from their images. However, due to their raw nature, these files can be quite large and may require specific software to open and edit them. It's crucial to ensure that you have compatible software to handle these files, and always be cautious when opening files from untrusted sources to avoid any potential security risks.

Typical ARW application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Frequently used application names to open ARW files:

Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.raw.14.0

How Can I Open ARW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ARW file is to find a ARW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ARW file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open ARW file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as ARW file opener then try to search online for "ARW viewer", "application to open ARW file" or "open ARW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ARW file

How Can I Open ARW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ARW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ARW file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with ARW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ARW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ARW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ARW file then try to search for "ARW viewer", "application to open ARW file" or "read ARW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ARW file

How Can I Open ARW File on Android

If you downloaded a ARW file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded ARW file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "ARW".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "ARW viewer", "ARW file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open ARW File on iPhone or iPad

To open ARW File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the ARW file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "ARW". This way you can find apps which can open ARW files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "ARW viewer" or "ARW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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