Convert ARW to JPG

What is an ARW file?

ARW (Alpha Raw) is Sony's proprietary RAW image format used by their Alpha series mirrorless and DSLR cameras. ARW files contain unprocessed sensor data, typically at 12-bit or 14-bit depth, capturing the full dynamic range and color gamut of Sony's CMOS sensors. Sony's ARW format has evolved through several revisions (ARW 1.0 through ARW 4.0), with newer versions supporting features like lossless compressed RAW and uncompressed RAW output. ARW files range from 20-120 MB depending on sensor resolution and compression settings, with high-resolution models like the A7R V producing particularly large files.

ARW vs JPG — What's the difference?

ARW stores the complete unprocessed data from Sony's image sensors with up to 14 bits of color depth per channel, while JPG is limited to 8 bits and applies irreversible lossy compression. ARW files retain highlight and shadow detail across 13+ stops of dynamic range, giving photographers significant latitude for exposure adjustments. JPG files are immediately viewable on any device and are typically 10-20x smaller. ARW is the working format for editing; JPG is the delivery format for sharing.

When should you convert ARW to JPG?

Convert ARW to JPG when you need to share images on the web, send them by email, upload to social media, or submit to platforms that do not accept RAW formats. JPG is also preferred for large photo galleries where storage and bandwidth are concerns. If you shoot with Sony cameras and need to deliver hundreds of images quickly — for events, product photography, or real estate — batch converting ARW to JPG is the fastest workflow.

How to convert ARW to JPG