Image Converter

Convert PNG to ORF

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

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

Why PNG to ORF isn't possible

1

ORF is Olympus's in-camera RAW

ORF is the raw sensor data a Olympus 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 ORF from a finished PNG.

2

A PNG has already been processed

Your PNG is a developed, final image. The extra sensor information a ORF 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

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

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 PNG file?

PNG is a lossless raster format with full transparency. It keeps every pixel intact, making it ideal for logos, icons, screenshots and graphics with sharp edges.

Full name
Portable Network Graphics
Developed by
PNG Development Group
Released
1996
Extension
.png
MIME type
image/png
Transparency
Yes

How to open PNG opens in every browser and image viewer, plus Photoshop, GIMP, Preview and Photos.

Full PNG format guide

What is a ORF file?

ORF is Olympus/OM System’s raw photo format from OM-D and PEN cameras.

Full name
Olympus Raw Format
Developed by
Olympus
Released
2003
Extension
.orf
MIME type
image/x-olympus-orf
Transparency
No

How to open ORF opens in Lightroom, Capture One and OM Workspace.

Full ORF format guide

What you can do instead

Frequently asked questions

Can any tool convert PNG to ORF?
No. ORF stores the raw signal a Olympus sensor recorded at capture. A PNG is a finished image with that data already baked in and discarded — there's nothing for a converter to reconstruct.
Why would I want ORF anyway?
RAW formats like ORF give maximum editing latitude — but only when they come straight from the camera. Converting a PNG to ORF 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 ORF) into DNG, but you still can't turn a regular PNG into ORF or any real RAW.
What can I convert my PNG to instead?
PNG converts cleanly to PNG, JPG, TIFF and WEBP — free, no sign-up, no watermark.