What is a CR3 file Format, and how do you open it?

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

1. 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.
2. Metadata: CR3 files are unprocessed and uncompressed, allowing users to easily access their metadata to correct the images captured or to be captured.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. Larger Files: CR3 files preserve detailed data and metadata, resulting in larger files that can hardly be handled at multiple points.
2. 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.

1. Download and install Photoshop on your computer. 
2. Install the latest Camera Raw plug-in compatible with your Photoshop
3. 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.  

1. To create a CR3 file using a Canon camera, follow the steps below:
2. Use a Canon camera such as Canon EOS, which supports CR3
3. Under settings, enable features allowing the camera to capture images in RAW + JPEG or RAW
4. 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:

1. Download and install Photoshop on your PC
2. Connect your PC to your Canon Digital Camera using USB data cable 
3. Export your CR3 files and save. 
4. Navigate and locate your CR3 file
5. Right-click> open with > other > select Photoshop.
6. Go to 'Navigator Icon' > Adjustment > Edit CR3 properties 
7. 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.

1. Upload the CR3 file
2. Select the format you want the file to be converted to
3. Click Convert and download the converted file