The .ARW file extension stands for Sony Alpha Raw, meaning that the file is a Sony raw image. ARW files are raw photos created by Sony camera models. They contain all of the data your camera recorded when taking the photo and can include extra information like GPS data if available. ARW file types contain a single photo and are usually much smaller than 1 or 2 GB, though file sizes vary.
DNG, which stands for Digital Negative Format, is a universal format for storing and accessing images. It is a type of RAW file that is considered to be lossless because it captures uncompressed data from a camera. DNG file contains the highest amount of detail and dynamic range, allowing photographers to have complete creative control over the development and editing of their images. Its main aim is to simplify the workflow for photographers and provide better compatibility with various image editing software. DNG also includes metadata and optional lossy compression to reduce file size while maintaining quality.
To convert files from ARW to DNG use an online tool that supports mass conversion, like Convertjack. Such a tool transforms single or bulk images at once to save time.
Go to Choose File, and select any ARW photos you want to convert. If you want to do a bulk conversion, click Choose File and select all the ARW pics you want to convert.
After uploading the ARW image, click the “Select Format” button at the center. A drop-down menu will pop up; select DNG.
On the bottom right corner of the display, click the “Convert” button. Your converted DNG file will be ready for download.
Click the “Download” button on the right side of the DNG file, and the converted image will be downloaded. If you convert multiple files, each file will have a “Download all” button in front of it, and you can click each button to download all the converted files.
To save a ARW file as a DNG file, you first convert it to DNG and then download it.
Instead of converting a file manually from ARW to DNG, use an online tool like Convertjack to convert the file without losing any details.
After converting the ARW file, Download the DNG file and save it in the default folder for all your downloads on the desktop or mobile.
One of the advantages of DNG is its ability to standardize raw image formats, offering broader compatibility across various software applications, especially for long-term storage and editing. Even if it is a raw file, DNG can still use lossless compression. The main disadvantage of ARW files is their large size and specific use case for professional editing. Therefore, converting ARW images to DNG enhances compatibility and archiving.