Image Converter

Convert ARW to RAF

Looking to turn a ARW into a RAF file? Here's the honest answer — and what actually works instead.

You can't convert ARW to RAF. RAF is a camera's own RAW format — it only ever comes out of the camera.

Why ARW to RAF isn't possible

1

RAF is Fujifilm's in-camera RAW

RAF is the raw sensor data a Fujifilm camera writes at the moment of capture. It's produced by the camera's own hardware and firmware — software can read it, but nothing can manufacture a genuine RAF from a finished ARW.

2

A ARW has already been processed

Your ARW is a developed, final image. The extra sensor information a RAF carries — wider dynamic range, full color depth, untouched highlights — was discarded when the photo was first saved, and can't be put back.

3

It is locked to one camera maker

RAF is proprietary to Fujifilm. Even other RAW formats (NEF, ARW, RAF…) aren't interchangeable with it — there is no universal "save as RAW" that produces a real RAF.

The RAW formats — and where they come from

Every real RAW file is one of these camera-maker-specific formats, written by the camera itself:

Format details

What is a ARW file?

ARW is Sony’s raw photo format, storing unprocessed sensor data from Alpha cameras for full editing latitude.

Full name
Sony Alpha Raw
Developed by
Sony
Released
2005
Extension
.arw
MIME type
image/x-sony-arw
Transparency
No

How to open ARW opens in Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and Sony Imaging Edge.

Full ARW format guide

What is a RAF file?

RAF is Fujifilm’s raw photo format, capturing full sensor data from X-series and GFX cameras.

Full name
Fuji Raw
Developed by
Fujifilm
Released
2002
Extension
.raf
MIME type
image/x-fuji-raf
Transparency
No

How to open RAF opens in Lightroom, Capture One and Fujifilm software.

Full RAF format guide

What you can do instead

Frequently asked questions

Can any tool convert ARW to RAF?
No. RAF stores the raw signal a Fujifilm sensor recorded at capture. A ARW is a finished image with that data already baked in and discarded — there's nothing for a converter to reconstruct.
Why would I want RAF anyway?
RAW formats like RAF give maximum editing latitude — but only when they come straight from the camera. Converting a ARW to RAF would just wrap a finished image in a RAW container, with none of the benefits.
Is DNG different?
DNG is an open RAW container. You can convert a camera's own RAW (including RAF) into DNG, but you still can't turn a regular ARW into RAF or any real RAW.
What can I convert my ARW to instead?
ARW converts cleanly to PNG, JPG, TIFF and WEBP — free, no sign-up, no watermark.