How to use it
- Drop in CR3 files.
- Each is developed using the white balance your camera set.
- Download the JPGs.
About CR3
Canon introduced CR3 in 2018 with the EOS M50, and it has been the raw format for every new Canon since, including the whole EOS R mirrorless range. Unlike the TIFF-based CR2, CR3 uses the same ISO container family as MP4 video and HEIF photos. It also added C-RAW, a compressed option that makes files roughly 40 percent smaller with very little loss.
Why CR3 is harder to open
Because the format changed completely, a lot of older software that read CR2 cannot read CR3 at all, and some operating systems only gained support years later. This page handles both standard and C-RAW CR3 files without installing anything.
Dual Pixel and HDR data
Some Canon bodies can store extra data in a CR3, such as Dual Pixel information. That is ignored here; you get the main image, developed neutrally.
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
Does this support C-RAW?
Yes, compressed C-RAW files are supported as well as standard CR3.
Which cameras use CR3?
Canon models from 2018 onwards, including the EOS R series, EOS M50 and later M models, and recent DSLRs such as the 90D.
Why can my old software not open CR3?
CR3 is a completely different container from CR2, so software needed new support.