How to use it
- Drop in CR2 files.
- Each is developed with your camera’s white balance.
- Download the JPGs, singly or as a zip.
About CR2
CR2 was Canon's raw format for well over a decade, from the mid-2000s until the arrival of CR3 in 2018. It covers most of the EOS DSLR line, from Rebels and the xxD series through the 5D and 1D bodies, plus a number of PowerShot compacts. Under the hood, a CR2 is a TIFF-style container holding the sensor data, a full-size JPEG preview and camera settings.
Why CR2 files will not open
Windows and many photo apps need a codec or recent software update to read raw files, and even then support for specific camera models varies. This page sidesteps that by developing the file in your browser with LibRaw, which supports essentially every CR2 camera.
Tip for Canon shooters
If you shoot RAW+JPEG, the JPG from your card will carry Canon's Picture Style and may be closer to what you saw on the camera screen. Converting the CR2 gives a neutral rendering, which is a better starting point if you intend to edit.
RAW and JPG compared
| RAW | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| First released | Late 1990s, varies by maker | 1992 |
| Compression | Sensor data, uncompressed or lightly compressed | Lossy |
| Transparency | No | No |
| Animation or pages | No (holds a JPEG preview) | No |
| Best for | Editing photos with the most latitude | Photos for sharing, email and print |
| Support | Raw editors and camera software; not browsers | Universal |
Questions people ask
Which Canon cameras use CR2?
Most EOS DSLRs from about 2004 to 2018, and some PowerShot models. Newer bodies use CR3.
Will Picture Styles be applied?
No. Picture Styles are applied by the camera or Canon software. This is a neutral development.
Can I convert CR3 files here?
Yes, on the CR3 to JPG page, or any raw page.