Convert PNG to CRW

Understanding PNG and CRW file formats

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a popular raster image format known for its lossless compression and support for transparency. It is widely used for web graphics, digital artwork, and screenshots due to its high quality and compatibility.

CRW is a proprietary raw image format developed by Canon for its digital cameras. CRW files contain unprocessed image data directly from the camera sensor, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing. These files are typically used by photographers who require maximum image quality and editing potential.

Can you convert PNG to CRW?

Direct conversion from PNG to CRW is generally not possible. The CRW format is designed to store raw sensor data, which cannot be recreated from a processed PNG image. While you can convert a CRW file to PNG, the reverse is not supported by standard image editors or converters.

Alternative solutions

If you need to use a PNG image in a workflow that requires raw files, consider converting your PNG to a DNG (Digital Negative) format using Adobe DNG Converter. While this does not create a true raw file, it may be accepted by some software as a raw-like format. However, the original raw data from a camera sensor cannot be restored from a PNG.

Recommended software for image conversion

• Adobe DNG Converter: Allows conversion of various image formats to DNG, but not directly from PNG to CRW.
• IrfanView: Useful for converting between many image formats, but does not support CRW as an output format.
• RawTherapee: Excellent for editing raw files, but does not convert PNG to CRW.

To convert PNG to a format suitable for further editing, use File → Save As in your preferred image editor and select TIFF or DNG if available.

Summary

While PNG to CRW conversion is not feasible due to the nature of raw files, you can use alternative formats like DNG or TIFF for advanced editing. Always keep in mind that true raw data cannot be recreated from a processed image.