What Is a CR3 File and How to Open It?

You can find a lot of image file formats that are fairly popular, but a lot of media players and devices don't support playing the images in these file formats, and CR3 is also one of these file formats.

If you've got the images in the CR3 file format and looking to open the .cr3 file, this guide is all set to reveal ''what is a CR3 file'' and this post also helps you know how to open CR3 files.

Part 1: What is a CR3 File?

A CR3 file is a terrific RAW image format used the Canon digital cameras. CR3 remains the Canon's RAW format's latest version, succeeding the older CR3 formats. CR3 files tend to store the uncompressed image data directly from the camera sensor helping you to explore the greater post-processing flexibility and higher quality images. These files are used by professional photographers who require a white balance, and detailed control over exposure and other settings during the editing.

Part 2: What is the Difference between CR3 and CR2 File?

While both the CR2 and CR3 are Canon RAW image formats these two file formats come up with a lot of differences which are mentioned below.

1. File compression

CR3 files come up with a more efficient compression method called C-RAW that could reduce the file size without causing image quality loss. Unfortunately, CR2 doesn't come up with this advanced compression and offers large file sizes.

2. Compatibility and metadata

CR3 files tend to use the new RAW processing engine of the Canon, which will provide improved compatibility and better metadata handling with newer software.

3. Software Support

All the older software versions don't support CR3 as CR3 is a newer format launched recently. On the other hand, CR2 comes up with more compatibility with the legacy application.

4. Storage Efficiency

Since CR3 files support the HEIF, it makes the CR3 a more storage friendly format when you compare it to the CR2.

Part 3: How to Open CR3 Files?

If, after learning what is CR3 file format, you want to know how to open CR3 files on desktop and mobile devices, you can look at the insightful guide given below.

1. How to open CR3 file in Desktop?

You can open the CR3 files on the desktop by using Canon's Digital Photo Professional. Although the interface of this tool could be a bit tough, you can explore all the features of this software by acquiring prior knowledge of the software.

Here's how to use the Canon's Digital Photo Professional to launch the CR3 files.

Step 1: Navigate to Canon's official webpage and then install the Canon Digital Photo Professional afterwards.

Step 2: Launch the software and then visit the File and Open Image icons.

Step 3: After locating the CR3 file, you'll need to choose the Open icon and then you'll be able to edit and view the CR3 files within your software.

2. How can I open CR3 file in Mobile?

If you're a mobile user, you can also open the CR files courtesy of apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile. The good thing to like about the Lightroom Mobile is that it brings in a simple user interface and you don't need to do much to open the CR files as the following couple of simple steps will be enough to launch the CR3 files.

Here's how to open and edit the CR files through Lightroom Mobile.

Step 1: Navigate to the Google Play store or App Store and search for the Adobe Lightroom Mobile app.

Step 2: After installing the app, you'll need to press the ''+'' button to import the file. Next, you'll need to choose the CR3 file from the file manager or gallery. This way you'll be able to make the Lightroom display the CR files.

Part 4: How to Convert CR3 File to JPG on Windows & Mac

If you want to make the CR3 file format images open on your media player and devices, you can use the HitPaw Univd to convert the CR3 files to JPG file format. HitPaw Univd is compatible with multiple images, meaning you can transform the CR3 images into several image formats, including JPG.

The significant thing to like about the HitPaw Univd is that it doesn't affect the quality of the photos while converting the images. On top of that, HitPaw Univd also supports batch conversion meaning you can convert multiple CR3 images into JPG formats simultaneously.

Moreover, HitPaw Univd also brings in exciting image editing features along with image conversion features to make the photos look relevant.

Navigate to the official website of the HitPaw Univd and then install the software on the computer. After launching the tool, you'll need to select the Toolbox button and select the Import Image button.

Tap on the Convert All button to select the image format you want to turn the CR images into.

Since you're looking to transform the CR3 photos into a JPG, you'll need to select the JPG as the destination image format.

After choosing the image format, you'll need to hit the Convert All button as doing so starts converting the CR3 images into the JPG image format. Once the conversion process ends, you can access the images after going into the Converted tab.

Part 5: FAQs about CR3 File

Conclusion

CR3 files are flexible RAW format and powerful format used by Canon Cameras that offer superior efficiency and compression when you compare the CR3 files with the CR2. Although opening the CR3 files will ask you to go for the specialized software, you can explore the multiple mobile and desktop apps to play and edit the CR3 files.

If you want to convert the CR3 file to JPG on Windows or Mac, going for the HitPaw Univd is most recommended. It retains the original quality of the images and since it supports batch conversion, you'll be able to convert the multiple photos simultaneously.