Convert DCM to CRW
Learn about converting DCM medical images to CRW raw files and the best alternative workflows.
Convert DCM files online
We don’t have a dedicated online converter for DCM to CRW yet, but you can convert DCM files online to these formats:
How to convert dcm to crw file
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Simply put, it is impossible to convert DCM to CRW directly.
Thus, there is no so-called dcm to crw converter or a free online .dcm to .crw conversion tool.
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Understanding DCM and CRW file formats
DCM files are medical images stored in the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format, widely used for handling, storing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. CRW files are Canon Raw Image files, a proprietary format used by Canon digital cameras to store unprocessed image data directly from the camera sensor.
Why convert DCM to CRW?
Converting DCM to CRW is uncommon, as these formats serve very different purposes: DCM for medical imaging and CRW for digital photography. However, you might need to convert DCM images to a raw format for advanced image processing or compatibility with certain photography software.
How to convert DCM to CRW
There is no direct converter that transforms DCM files into CRW format due to their different use cases and proprietary nature of CRW. However, you can use a two-step process:
- Convert DCM to a common image format (such as TIFF or JPEG) using medical imaging software.
- Convert the resulting image to a raw format (though not true CRW, as CRW is specific to Canon cameras) using image editing or conversion tools.
Recommended software for conversion
- MicroDicom (Windows): Open your DCM file, then use File → Export → To Image to save as TIFF or JPEG.
- IrfanView (with plugins): Open the exported image and use File → Save As to convert to other formats. Note: IrfanView does not support CRW export, but can save to TIFF or BMP.
- Adobe Photoshop: Open the exported TIFF/JPEG, then use File → Save As to save in a format compatible with your workflow. Photoshop does not export to CRW, but can save as DNG (Digital Negative), a universal raw format.
Note: There is no software that can create a true CRW file from a non-Canon source. For raw editing, consider converting to DNG instead.
Summary
Direct conversion from DCM to CRW is not possible due to format limitations. The best approach is to convert DCM to a standard image format, then use a raw-compatible format like DNG for further processing.
Note: This dcm to crw conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
DCM vs CRW: format comparison
How the DCM and CRW formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .DCM DICOM image file | .CRW Canon Raw CIFF Image |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Both | — |
| Transparency | No | No |
| Animation | No | No |
| Layers | No | No |
| Metadata support | Extensive | Basic |
| Opens in a web browser | No | No |
| Typical file size | Large | Large |
| Open standard | Yes | Partly open |
| Best used for | Long-term archiving | Photographs |
| Introduced | 1985 | 1997 |
| Developer | National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) / DICOM Standards Committee | Canon Inc. |
| MIME type | application/dicom | — |