What is an ARW file?
ARW (Sony Alpha RAW) is the proprietary RAW image format used by Sony Alpha digital cameras. ARW files store unprocessed sensor data at full bit depth (12-bit or 14-bit per channel), preserving the complete dynamic range, color accuracy, and detail captured by the sensor — far more than what a JPEG can retain.
ARW is based on the TIFF format and has evolved through several versions (ARW 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.0) as Sony has released new camera generations. Our Online ARW Viewer decodes and renders your Sony RAW photos instantly in the browser — no need to install Sony Imaging Edge, Capture One, Adobe Lightroom, or Photoshop.
How to View ARW Files Online
Upload ARW File
Drag and drop your .arw file onto the viewer, or click to browse and select it from your device.
Preview the RAW Image
The viewer decodes the Sony RAW sensor data and renders a full-quality preview of your photo.
Download or Convert
Save the rendered image to your device as a standard JPG or PNG file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sony cameras produce ARW files?
ARW is used by Sony Alpha DSLRs and mirrorless cameras including the A7, A7R, A7S, A9, A1, A6000, A6400, A6600, ZV-E10, and many others. Any Sony Alpha camera with a RAW shooting mode will produce ARW files.
What ARW versions are there?
Sony has released multiple ARW versions over the years: ARW 1.0 (early Alpha DSLRs), ARW 2.x (most Alpha cameras from 2008 onwards), and ARW 4.0 (introduced with the A7R V and newer models). Newer versions support higher resolution sensors and improved compression.
What is the difference between ARW and SR2/SRF?
SR2 and SRF are older Sony RAW formats used by early Sony DSC and Cyber-shot cameras. ARW replaced these formats starting with the Sony Alpha DSLR line and is the current standard Sony RAW format.
Can I convert ARW to JPG?
Yes. After opening your ARW file in the viewer, you can download the rendered image as a high-quality JPG or PNG file.
Is it safe to upload my ARW photos?
Yes. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your photos are never uploaded to any server and remain completely private on your device.