Image Converter

Convert PNG to RW2

Looking to turn a PNG into a RW2 file? Here's the honest answer — and what actually works instead.

You can't convert PNG to RW2. RW2 is a camera's own RAW format — it only ever comes out of the camera.

Why PNG to RW2 isn't possible

1

RW2 is Panasonic's in-camera RAW

RW2 is the raw sensor data a Panasonic 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 RW2 from a finished PNG.

2

A PNG has already been processed

Your PNG is a developed, final image. The extra sensor information a RW2 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

RW2 is proprietary to Panasonic. Even other RAW formats (NEF, ARW, RAF…) aren't interchangeable with it — there is no universal "save as RAW" that produces a real RW2.

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 RW2 file?

RW2 is Panasonic’s raw photo format used by Lumix cameras.

Full name
Panasonic Raw
Developed by
Panasonic
Released
2008
Extension
.rw2
MIME type
image/x-panasonic-rw2
Transparency
No

How to open RW2 opens in Lightroom, Photoshop and Panasonic software.

Full RW2 format guide

What you can do instead

Frequently asked questions

Can any tool convert PNG to RW2?
No. RW2 stores the raw signal a Panasonic 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 RW2 anyway?
RAW formats like RW2 give maximum editing latitude — but only when they come straight from the camera. Converting a PNG to RW2 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 RW2) into DNG, but you still can't turn a regular PNG into RW2 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.