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3 steps to open file with CR2 extension

Usually solving problems with CR2 file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open CR2 file now!

  1. 1. CR2 File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) CR2 file?
  3. 3. How to open CR2 file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports CR2 files
    2. 3.2 Find and download proper software
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with CR2 extension
    3. 3.3 Check the CR2 file for errors
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

CR2 File Extension

File
  • File type Canon Raw Image Format
  • File developer Canon
  • File category Raster Image Files
  • File popularity rating
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Preview

What is a(n) CR2 file?

The file with the CR2 extension appears only for photos taken with a Canon camera. This is a raw image file characteristic of high quality digital cameras, valued by professional photographers due to the lack of data compression, enabling the most accurate saving of the image. This standard replaced the .CRW format

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How to open CR2 file?

There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of CR2 extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps

Step 1: Install a program that supports CR2 files

If an application that supports CR2 files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with CR2 extension by default.

Hint for Mac OS users

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For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the CR2 file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.

Step 2: Find and download proper software

Inability to open CR2 files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with CR2 files. If this step fails, see step 1.

Programs that support files with CR2 extension

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Step 3: Check the CR2 file for errors

Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:

  • CR2 file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
  • Structure of given CR2 file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
  • Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
  • It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related CR2 file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
  • If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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