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ARW to AVIF Converter

Convert ARW images to AVIF online in seconds - free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Batch convert up to 30 files and download them together as a ZIP.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • No watermark
  • Private by design

Image Converter

How to use it

  1. 1

    Drop your ARW files onto the converter

  2. 2

    Press Convert to turn them into AVIF

  3. 3

    Download your AVIF images one by one or as a ZIP

ARW to AVIF

Why convert ARW to AVIF?

The main difference: ARW is an unprocessed sensor data format, while AVIF is a lossy or lossless format. AVIF can have a transparent background, ARW can't.

Develop RAW into a ready-to-use photo

A ARW file holds the raw readings from the camera sensor, not a finished picture. Converting it to AVIF applies the camera's colors and gives you a normal photo you can share, print or post right away.

Smaller files, faster uploads

AVIF supports lossy compression, so your file typically ends up a fraction of the ARW size - quicker to attach to an email, upload to a form or load on a web page.

Supports transparent backgrounds

AVIF can hold a transparent background. Convert your image first, then cut out the background or place it on top of other designs.

Lighter images for your website

At the same visual quality, AVIF files are noticeably smaller than JPG or PNG. Lighter images mean faster pages, better Core Web Vitals and a small boost for SEO.

ARW vs AVIF: what's the difference?

PropertyARWAVIF
Compression typeUnprocessed sensor dataLossy or lossless
Transparent backgroundNoYes
AnimationNoYes
Where it opensNone (needs a RAW editor)Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari 16+; many apps can't open it yet
Used forStraight-from-camera photos for editingThe smallest high-quality images for the web

What is an ARW (camera RAW) file?

ARW is the camera RAW format of Sony - Alpha mirrorless and DSLR cameras and Cyber-shot compacts. Instead of a finished photo, a RAW file stores the unprocessed data straight from the camera's sensor.

That gives photographers maximum room to adjust exposure, white balance and color afterwards, but RAW files are large (often 20-60 MB) and need special software to view. Converting to JPG produces a normal photo you can share right away.

How to open an ARW (camera RAW) file

Sony Imaging Edge opens ARW files, and Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop (Camera Raw), Capture One, darktable and RawTherapee support them too. Mac Photos and Preview open most RAW formats; on Windows, the free Raw Image Extension adds support to the Photos app. Without any of these, convert ARW to JPG online.

Extension
.arw
Made by
Sony cameras
Contains
Unprocessed sensor data
Best for
Editing straight-from-camera photos

What is an AVIF file?

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format based on the AV1 video codec, developed by the Alliance for Open Media - Google, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix and others. It typically produces smaller files than both JPG and WebP at the same visual quality.

AVIF supports transparency, HDR and wide color, which makes it a favorite for fast websites. Support outside browsers is still patchy, so downloaded AVIF files often need converting.

How to open an AVIF file

Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari 16+ display AVIF. Windows 11 opens it in Photos once the free AV1 Video Extension is installed; macOS Ventura and later preview it. For editors and forms that refuse it, convert to JPG or PNG.

Extension
.avif
Compression
Lossy or lossless (AV1)
Transparency
Yes
Best for
The smallest high-quality web images

ARW to AVIF

ARW to AVIF FAQ

Drag your ARW files onto the converter at the top of this page and press Convert. Download each AVIF on its own or grab them all in one ZIP - no software, no account.