What are .CR3 files?
CR3 means the Canon RAW 3 image format, which offers maximum quality reproduction of a photographic scene. This RAW file format compresses pixels to enable future processing using editing software. CR3 files store the primary non-processed lossless image data captured using a Canon camera.
CR3 files are identified using the .CR3 file extension at the end of the file name. It provides high-quality images and offers enough room for editing to photographers. CR3 files further store image metadata and primary image data. The CR3 file format is the latest version of Canon's RAW image format,
CR3 files are binary files saved or kept in camera discs in the ISO Base Media File Format. They incorporate custom Canon tags and the Canon 'CRX' codec, which combines JPEG-2000 (quantification and LeGall 5/3 DWT) and JPEG-LS (RLE coding and Rice-Golomb).
CR3 was created to replace the CR2 format, which Canon cameras initially used. CR3 is unique because it supports larger files, higher resolution levels, and more advanced features, including 12-bit lossless compressed RAW images and 12-bit color depth, which are impossible with CR2.
Unlike CR2, the .cr3 extension supports innovative features like High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which JPEG, PNG, and CR2 files do not have. Thus, the CR3 format offers photographers a unique experience for capturing images, increasing its platform compatibility and support.
History of CR3 image files
Canon created and introduced the Canon RAW Image (CR3) file format into the digital camera market in 2018. Its launch followed the release of the EOS M50. The Canon RAW file extension was invented to replace the Canon Raw Image 2 (CR2) image format.
Canon developed the CR3 format to store unprocessed image data, which the cameras' image sensors capture. The image data and metadata are unaltered and allow easy manipulation with post-processing programs such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop.
The CR3 file type uses the ISO Base Media File Format, which has the CRX codec and custom tags that support lossy C-RAW and lossless RAW compression methods. When created and saved using lossy C-RAW compression, the CR3 images are nearly 40% smaller, with slight differences in image quality.
CR3 is a more modern file format widely used with Canon EOS R6 and EOS R5 cameras. Various platforms, programs, and software use the Canon RAW file extension to reproduce scenes captured via the camera lenses at the highest quality.
What are CR3 files used for?
CR3 files are used for Canon Digital Camera RAW images. They replace the CR2 files and store primary unprocessed lossless image data captured using Canon cameras. CR3 files also store image data and metadata to enable photographers to edit such images.
Pros and cons of CR3 files
CR3 files retain all image data and metadata, ensuring quality and resolution levels. Before choosing this format, focus on its benefits and demerits.
Advantages of CR3 files
- More Color Profiles and Higher Bit Depth: CR3 files support High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 12-bit depth, ensuring an impressive view and perfect control over different color spaces.
- Metadata: CR3 files are unprocessed and uncompressed, allowing users to easily access their metadata to correct the images captured or to be captured.
- Detailed and High-Quality: The CR3 files are detailed and preserve all image data to ensure no data is deleted, allowing photographers to capture quality images.
- Complete Previews: The CR3 RAW files offer a full image preview under the defined camera settings, which allows images to be compressed while being captured and inhibits the in-camera processing of the image data.
Disadvantages of CR3 files
- Larger Files: CR3 files preserve detailed data and metadata, resulting in larger files that can hardly be handled at multiple points.
- Software Compatibility or Support Problems: The CR3 file format is exclusive to Canon cameras, making it difficult to operate or use with software/programs managed by Sony.
How to Open or view .CR3 Files
To open or view CR3 files, use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Canon Digital Photo Professional (Mac, Windows), Canon Digital Photo Professional Express, Apple Preview, and Microsoft Photos.
Follow the steps below to open or view a CR3 file in Photoshop.
- Download and install Photoshop on your computer.
- Install the latest Camera Raw plug-in compatible with your Photoshop
- Navigate to find your CR3 file > Right-Click > Open With > Photoshop
How to Create and Edit CR3 Files
CR3 files are created by Canon cameras, and can be edited using tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. These tools allow users to modify features such as contrast, hues, saturation, and brightness.
However, unlike PNG or JPG formats, CR3 files are created directly from the camera sensor and cannot be manually generated.
- To create a CR3 file using a Canon camera, follow the steps below:
- Use a Canon camera such as Canon EOS, which supports CR3
- Under settings, enable features allowing the camera to capture images in RAW + JPEG or RAW
- The Camera saves the image data on the memory card as a CR3 file
To edit a CR3 file using Photoshop, follow the steps below:
- Download and install Photoshop on your PC
- Connect your PC to your Canon Digital Camera using USB data cable
- Export your CR3 files and save.
- Navigate and locate your CR3 file
- Right-click> open with > other > select Photoshop.
- Go to 'Navigator Icon' > Adjustment > Edit CR3 properties
- Save
How do I convert CR3 photos?
Convert CR3 photos to PDF, EXR, TIFF, JP2, BMP, PNG, JPEG, or JPE using Convertjack. Visit our CR3 file converter and follow the steps below to realize the conversion goal.
- Upload the CR3 file
- Select the format you want the file to be converted to
- Click Convert and download the converted file
CR3 Files Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 Is CR3 the same as RAW?
CR3 files are not the same as RAW files. They are types of RAW file formats created by Canon cameras. CR3 file is a Canon RAW format with the highest quality reproduction of scenes.
2 What is the difference between RAW and C-RAW?
The difference between RAW and C-RAW lies in their compression methods. C-RAW uses lossy compression to reduce the file size while maintaining most of the image quality, making it a more space-efficient option. RAW files, on the other hand, use either uncompressed or lossless compression, preserving all the original image data for the highest possible quality.
3 What is the difference between CR2 and CR3?
CR2 and CR3 are both raw image file formats used by Canon cameras. CR2 files are based on the older TIFF/EP standard, while CR3 files use the more modern ISO Base Media File Format (BMFF). The CR3 format allows for better compression and additional features like Canon's C-RAW, which provides smaller file sizes with minimal loss of quality.
4 What can CR3 files be converted to?
CR3 files can be converted to PDF, EXR, TIFF, JP2, BMP, PNG, JPEG, or JPE.
5 Can CR3 files be compressed?
Yes, CR3 files can be compressed. The format supports lossless and lossy compression. Lossless compression preserves all image data, ensuring high quality and full resolution. Canon also offers a lossy compression option called C-RAW, which reduces file size while maintaining most of the image quality.
6 What is the best CR3 file viewer?
The best CR3 file viewer is Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop. These tools have advanced features and elements that make it easy to open and view CR3 files.
7 Are CR3s raster or vector files?
CR3s are raster files since they store pixel data to display visual data and digital photographs. Unlike raster-based CR3 files, vector files use mathematical lines and coordinates to form images, making them suitable for logos, charts, or graphs.
8 CR3 vs JPEG: Which format is better?
JPEG images originate from CR3 files. Hence, CR3 files are larger and higher quality but load slower online than JPG. JPG files are already processed and can easily be shared or transferred, while CR3 must be converted into other file formats to be shared or transferred.
9 Can you open CR3 files in Photoshop?
Yes, you can open CR3 files in Photoshop. CR3 files are exclusive to Canon cameras. Photoshop's powerful elements and features support CR3 files.
10 How do I recover CR3 files?
To recover CR3 files, use data recovery software such as DiskDrill in case the file is not found in the recycle bin. Follow the steps below to use Disk Drill:
- Download and install Disk Drill on your PC.
- Connect the memory card to the PC using a data cable.
- Launch Disk Drill > Select the memory card from the available drives list > Click the ‘Search for lost data’ button and allow the scanning process to start.
- When the scan is complete, review the recovered items
- Filter them by file type and locate the CR3 file.
- Select the CR3 files to be recovered > click the ‘Recover’ button > Save.
11 How do I convert CR3 to JPG on Android?
To convert CR3 to JPG files on Android, use online file converters namely Vertpal, Picflow, FreeConvert, CloudConvert, or MConverter. Also, there exist free CR3 to JPG converter online like on our website where you can convert your CR3 files by following three simple steps.
- Upload your CR3 file
- Select JPG as the preferred Format your CR3 is to be converted to
- Click Convert and download the converted File
Convertjack tool allows users to do batch conversion for multiple CR3 files.
12 How to convert CR3 to JPG on Mac free?
To convert CR3 to JPG on Mac free, use online file converters like CloudConvert, Vertopal, or Picflow. However, whilst these online conversion tools can be used, Convertjack still stands out. It is the best CR3 to JPG file converter that helps you convert your file in three steps:
- Upload the CR3 file
- Select the Format (JPG) your CR3 is to be converted to
- Click Convert and download the converted File
Note: Convertjack allows you to do batch conversion for multiple CR3 files.
13 What is the best software to convert CR3 files to JPG?
Based on users' reviews on online CR3 file format converters, most people opt for Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom, but a quick option is to use online converters like Converjack.
14 How to save CR3 file as JPEG
To save a CR3 file as a JPEG, you must change the CR3 file to JPEG and save it. You can use various online conversion tools like Picflow, Vertopal, or MConverter. While there are many CR3 file converters, Convertjack is the best option. To attain your conversion goal using our CR3 to JPEG file converter, do the following:
- Upload the CR3 file
- Select JPEG as the Format your CR3 is to be converted to
- Click Convert and download the converted JPEG file
Note: Convertjack allows you to do batch conversion for multiple CR3 files.