File Extension Database

Open CR2 File

A file with the CR2 extension is a Canon Raw Version 2 image file created by a Canon digital camera.

Canon has been established, in the last 70 years, as one of the most important manufacturers of photographic equipment based in ?ta, Tokyo, Japan.

Canon specializes in optical, imaging and industrial products such as lenses, cameras, medical equipment, scanners, printers, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment for photographic and image processing purposes.

In this case, a CR2 file has the TIFF file specification, so they are usually of high quality, uncompressed and large, which is why these CR2 files are said to be of the raw type.

Open a CR2 file

Some versions of Windows will allow you to view CR2 files natively (for example, in a folder view), but only if the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack or Canon RAW Codec Software is installed.

Software to open a CR2 file

CR2 files can be opened with free programs

Typical CR2 application file locations:

%SystemRoot%\System32\rundll32.exe "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Photo Gallery\PhotoViewer.dll"
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Typical CR2 mime types:

ImageView_Fullscreen %1

Frequently used application names to open CR2 files:

Windows Photo Gallery
Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

cr2file
WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.raw.14.0

How Can I Open CR2 File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CR2 file is to find a CR2 file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CR2 file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CR2 file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CR2 file opener then try to search online for "CR2 viewer", "application to open CR2 file" or "open CR2 file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CR2 file

How Can I Open CR2 File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CR2 file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CR2 file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CR2 file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CR2 file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CR2 file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CR2 file then try to search for "CR2 viewer", "application to open CR2 file" or "read CR2 file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CR2 file

How Can I Open CR2 File on Android

If you downloaded a CR2 file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CR2 file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CR2".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CR2 viewer", "CR2 file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CR2 File on iPhone or iPad

To open CR2 File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CR2 file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CR2". This way you can find apps which can open CR2 files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CR2 viewer" or "CR2 file" online in your favorite search engine.

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