raw format

What is a .CR3 file?

CR3 is Canon’s newer, more efficient raw format used by recent EOS cameras — smaller than CR2 with the same flexibility.

Full name
Canon Raw v3
Developed by
Canon
Released
2018
Extension
.cr3
MIME type
image/x-canon-cr3
Transparency
No

How to open a CR3 file

CR3 opens in recent Lightroom, Photoshop, Canon DPP and modern raw editors.

What CR3 files are used for

Professional photography

Maximum dynamic range and editing latitude.

Color grading

Recover highlights and shadows non-destructively.

Archival masters

Keep the untouched original alongside exports.

Strengths & limitations

✔ Strengths✖ Limitations
Maximum editing latitudeNo transparency support
Needs raw-capable software

Tools for this format

Convert, compress and edit — free, in your browser.

Need more than a conversion?

Remove the background from CR3 images, upscale to 4K, or generate new visuals with SharkFoto AI.

Frequently asked questions

CR3 is Canon’s newer, more efficient raw format used by recent EOS cameras — smaller than CR2 with the same flexibility.

CR3 opens in recent Lightroom, Photoshop, Canon DPP and modern raw editors.

CR3 is an unprocessed raw container, so no detail is discarded.

Use SharkFoto's free tools — upload your CR3 file and convert it to a more convenient format in seconds. It's free, processed securely and never stored.

No — CR3 doesn't store transparency; convert to PNG or WEBP if you need it.