What is a CRW file? A CRW file is a raw image created by early Canon digital cameras using the Canon CIFF (Camera Image File Format) standard. It stores unprocessed sensor data along with metadata , such as exposure settings, white balance, and camera information. Since the data is uncompressed and not yet color-corrected or sharpened, CRW files allow photographers to make detailed adjustments after capture.

More Information Canon used the CRW format in many of its older EOS and PowerShot models before replacing it with the more modern .CR2 and .CR3 raw formats. Photographers who shoot in raw often prefer formats like CRW because they offer greater flexibility for editing and image correction compared to .JPEG images, which apply in-camera processing and compression. While CRW files are now uncommon, they may still appear in archival photo collections, legacy workflows, or older camera backups.