Switch One SW1-011 unable to view .arw files

Taff

I have the cheap Switch One SW1-011 and use it when my Macbook is in for repair, which is with boring regularity.
However, I have a Sony A290camera and it's set you arw file format.
How do I view the .arw files?

Many thanks.
Taff

Balatekie

Hi Taff,

A file with the ARW file extension stands for Sony Alpha Raw, and is, therefore, a Sony RAW Image file. It's based on the TIF file format and is similar to other RAW files from Sony cameras, like SR2 and SRF files.

A raw image format just means that the file hasn't been compressed or manipulated in any way; it's in the same raw form it was when the camera first captured it.

Though the Sony RAW file type is more common, an ARW file might instead be an ArtStudio Scene file.

How to Open an ARW File

ARW files that are of the Sony RAW image format (i.e., from a Sony digital camera) can be opened by various graphics programs. Microsoft Windows Photos and Windows Live Photo Gallery are two examples.

Other graphic programs like Able RAWer, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, ACDSee, and ImageMagick can open ARW files, too.

NOTE: Depending on the version of Windows you're using, you may have to install Sony RAW Driver before the built-in image viewers like Photo Gallery can view the ARW file.

You can also upload the ARW file to the raw.pics.io website to view or edit it in your browser without needing an ARW opener installed on your computer.

An ARW file that's an ArtStudio Scene file can be opened with ArtStudio.

Tip: If you find that an application on your PC does try to open the ARW file but it's the wrong application or if you would rather have another installed program open ARW files, see our How to Change the Default Program for a Specific File Extension guide for making that change in Windows.

To get more information on open the file, please click here.