Four Easy Ways to Open ARW Files

The scenario: You have a file with the ARW file extension on your computer that you need to open. You double-click it as usual, expecting for a program to load it up, but sadly nothing happens. You try it again, but still nothing happens. What can you do? Try these four easy methods to open a troublesome ARW file.

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1st Method: Open it in another program.

When you double-click ARW files, your computer attempts to open it in a program associated with ARW files. If there’s no program associated with ARW files on your computer, the file won’t open. To open the file, download one of the most popular programs associated with ARW files such as Sony RAW Image File.

2nd Method: Take a hint from the file type.

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The ARW file extension usually indicates it's under the umbrella of Raster Image Files. However, if it’s another file type, it might not open with one of the programs listed above. Take the following steps to find the file type:

  1. Right-click the file.
  2. Click “Properties” (Windows) or “More Info” (Mac).
  3. Locate the file type under either “Type of File” (Windows) or “Kind” (Mac).

3rd Method: Check with the developer.

So you’ve tried using a different program, you’ve confirmed the file type, and your ARW file still won’t open. Even if these methods were unsuccessful, you might still be able to reach out to a software developer for help. Use the chart below to find the developer for each of the programs mentioned above and contact them directly for assistance.

Software Developed By
Sony RAW Image File Sony Corporation of America

4th Method: Open it in a universal file viewer.

If the developer isn’t able to help, a universal file viewer probably can. File Magic (Download) and similar programs are designed to open a wide variety of file formats, including ARW files. Some aren’t compatible and will only open in binary. Download File Magic now to open you ARW and hundreds of other file types with one program!

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