What is a .CR2 file?
A .CR2 file is a type of digital photo file format known as Canon Raw 2 Image. This format is used by various Canon digital cameras, such as the EOS 1D Mark IV and EOS 450D, to save photos. The .CR2 file format captures all the image data taken by the camera's Charged Coupled Device (CCD), which is a type of image sensor. The data in a CR2 file is stored in a losslessly-compressed format, meaning that the quality of the image is preserved without any loss, but the file size can be quite large.
These high-quality images are ideal for editing because they contain more detail and allow for more adjustments without loss of quality compared to standard JPEG files. Photographers often prefer to shoot in RAW formats like CR2 because it gives them more control over the final image during post-processing.
To view or edit .CR2 files, you can use various software programs across different operating systems: - **Windows**: You can open CR2 files with Adobe Photoshop 2023, Adobe Photoshop Elements, IrfanView, GIMP with the UFRaw plug-in, ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio, Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro, FastStone Image Viewer, File Viewer Plus (available from Microsoft Store), and Microsoft Photos (if the Raw Image Extension is installed). - **Mac**: Apple's built-in Preview and Photos applications support CR2 files. Additionally, you can use Adobe Photoshop 2023, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and GIMP with the UFRaw plug-in.
- **Linux**: Options include GIMP with UFRaw plug-in, gphoto2, MATE with Atril Document Viewer, and gThumb.
- **Web and Mobile**: Google Photos can store and display CR2 files on the web, Android, and iOS devices. Adobe Photoshop Express is another option for mobile users on iOS and Android.
- **Chrome OS**: Google Photos can be used to handle CR2 files.
It's important to note that some programs might require additional plugins or extensions to fully support CR2 files. For instance, to open these files in GIMP, the UFRaw plug-in is necessary. Similarly, Microsoft Photos requires the installation of the Raw Image Extension to view CR2 files.
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