Convert CR2 to JPG: PROS and CONS

convert cr2 to jpg

Every once in a while, we face ourselves with a big question, and it’s not the how-to but “why do we convert CR2 to JPG” question. Luckily, we are here to give you all the answers to this and many other questions.

But first, let’s go through some basics about the CR2 file format. We already talked about this file format once or twice in our articles about the best image file formats and one about black and white photography. However, there are still some things left to say.

CR2 file format basics

Canon Raw Version 2 or CR2 file format is an image file created by a Canon digital camera, a well-known and favorite tool for photographers. This type of image file is based on the TIFF file format. Meaning CR2 files are usually high-quality, uncompressed, and large image files. CR2 has such a high quality that it’s often used for 3D modeling in programs like Poser.

However, CR2 files aren’t so popular as JPG files, and sometimes you need a hand with them. You can open this type of file format unbrotherly with programs such as IrfanView and UFRaw, but in other cases, you might have to convert CR2 to JPG. Of course, even the conversion process has its pros and cons.

Why do we convert CR2 to JPG?

The main reason why you should convert CR2 to JPG is because of CR2’s lack of compatibility. It is by far a lot easier to convert CR2 to JPG than to download third-party software. But in the end, it’s up to you what will happen with the CR2 files you own.

convert cr2 to jpg - cr2 file format

Another reason why this type of file format is converted is its size. CR2 files are raw images of high quality. Meaning they take a lot more storage space than other popular file formats such as JPG. So, if you want to send or post CR2 files, just convert CR2 to JPG, and your life will be a lot easier.

However, there is one major reason why not convert CR2 to JPG.

Why is sometimes better not to convert CR2 to JPG?

Sure, lack of compatibility and file size is a major thing when it comes to converting files. They are the main reasons why every file format is converter to another. But sometimes, it’s better to leave things just the way they are. We are talking about the CR2 file format, of course.

If you want to edit your photos, you should probably leave them in the original raw format while editing. After you are finished with all alterations, then, export images in JPG file format.

Why? The answer is quite simple. Raw image files are high-quality, and if you make any changes to them, you won’t affect the quality. Plus, you can always undo the whole editing procedure.

If you want to edit your photos and transform them into art, do it in raw file format, which is CR2 in this case. And then convert CR2 to JPG in the end.

How to convert CR2 to JPG?

There is more than one way to convert CR2 to JPG. You can do it online and offline way. If you are a bigger fan of the offline process, you should consider using some of the most popular editing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, iPhoto, or Aperture. If it by far, one of the top image editing tools with awesome features.

As far as the online way for file conversion goes, different online tools can help you with the conversion part of the story. However, finding a trustworthy converter can be tricky. Luckily, we’ve got your back.

How to convert CR2 to JPG using Adobe Photoshop?

Converting CR2 to JPG with Adobe Photoshop is quite an easy task. All you have to do to convert CR2 to JPg is to follow the simple procedure given below.

STEP 1

Open your CR2 with Adobe Photoshop. At the top left, find the File option and the Open option right after.

convert cr2 to jpg step 1

STEP 2

Now, find the location of your CR2 file and press the Open and Open picture button next.

STEP 3

At the top left, find the File option once again and the Export option right after. Then, click on the Export As option.

convert cr2 to jpg step 3

STEP 4

In the Export As window, choose the JPG as the final format of your images, and press the Export All button.

convert cr2 to jpg step 4

And there you have it. You just converted CR2 to JPG using Adobe Photoshop. How easy was that?

How to convert CR2 to JPG online?

Another way to convert CR2 to JPG is using a free online tool such as CR2 to JPG online converter. It is the safest and easiest way to convert CR2 to JPG in less than 10 seconds. Just follow a simple 3-step procedure, and that’s it.

STEP 1

Open Converter365 in your favorite browser and upload files to the upload box. Use the Add files button or a good old ‘drag and drop’ method. You can also add a link to your files.

convert cr2 to jpg sonverter365 step 1
How to convert CR2 to JPG using Converter365 – Step 1

STEP 2

Now, it’s conversion time. Choose the JPG file format, and press the Start conversion button and wait for a few moments for the conversion to be finished.

convert CR2 to JPG using Converter365 - Step 2
How to convert CR2 to JPG using Converter365 – Step 2

STEP 3

When the conversion process is over, download your JPG files. You can download one file at a time, or you can download all of them in a ZIP file. You can even copy and share a link to your files if that suits you.

And that is it! You are all done.

Converting files is not an easy task. Luckily, we are here to make things better. Now, you know two different ways to convert CR2 to JPG, and it’s up to you to pick your favorite one.