Open RW2 files
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Full namePanasonic Lumix RAW Image Format
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DeveloperPanasonic
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Popularity
What is RW2 file?
Files with the RW2 extension contain raw image data created by various Panasonic Lumix digital cameras.
More info
The RW2 files contain the unprocessed or minimally processed raw data of the image sensor. Although these RAW (raw) data are larger than the JPEG files stored by the device, they are more versatile.
These sometimes called "digital negative" raw data are excellent for post-processing such as the adjustment of the colors, correction of the exposure, suitable for sharpening or noise filter. They are indispensable for professional work or things like astrophotography.
In order to convert them into an RGB image format that can be commonly used, the data must be "developed". This means that processing steps such as interpolation and exposure as well as converting to a format such as PNG, PSD, TIFF or JPEG must be performed.
However, there is no uniform raw data format. Every manufacturer has developed his own. These proprietary and often undocumented formats can only be processed by specialized software. They can contain different data, for example in different color depths, depending on the capabilities of the sensor as well as the software integrated in the camera. Manufacturers are changing their RAW formats relatively frequently, which means that program support often needs to be adjusted. Supporting the extension is not enough if the specific camera is not supported.
Most RAW files also contain metadata with information about the image and the recording conditions, in part also in the EXIF or IPTC standard.
Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements support a large number of cameras with the help of the free plug-in Adobe Camera RAW (ACR). Which depends on the ACR version. However, newer versions of ACR can only be used by the latest versions of the main programs.
Panasonic provides a codec that allows many graphics programs to import RW2 files. However, the quality of specialized programs is better.
Programs which can open a RW2 file
Windows
The RW2 files contain the unprocessed or minimally processed raw data of the image sensor. Although these RAW (raw) data are larger than the JPEG files stored by the device, they are more versatile.
These sometimes called "digital negative" raw data are excellent for post-processing such as the adjustment of the colors, correction of the exposure, suitable for sharpening or noise filter. They are indispensable for professional work or things like astrophotography.
In order to convert them into an RGB image format that can be commonly used, the data must be "developed". This means that processing steps such as interpolation and exposure as well as converting to a format such as PNG, PSD, TIFF or JPEG must be performed.
However, there is no uniform raw data format. Every manufacturer has developed his own. These proprietary and often undocumented formats can only be processed by specialized software. They can contain different data, for example in different color depths, depending on the capabilities of the sensor as well as the software integrated in the camera. Manufacturers are changing their RAW formats relatively frequently, which means that program support often needs to be adjusted. Supporting the extension is not enough if the specific camera is not supported.
Most RAW files also contain metadata with information about the image and the recording conditions, in part also in the EXIF or IPTC standard.
Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements support a large number of cameras with the help of the free plug-in Adobe Camera RAW (ACR). Which depends on the ACR version. However, newer versions of ACR can only be used by the latest versions of the main programs.
Panasonic provides a codec that allows many graphics programs to import RW2 files. However, the quality of specialized programs is better.
Programs which can open a RW2 file
Windows
How to open file with RW2 extension?
Install Adobe Photoshop Elements or other program from the list
Most often resolving problems with opening RW2 files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support RW2 files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of RW2 files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
Set Adobe Photoshop Elements as the default program for opening RW2 files
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate RW2 files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Adobe Photoshop Elements applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Adobe Photoshop Elements has been installed.
Check the section that lists most common problems with RW2 files
Sometimes problems with opening RW2 files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:
- File data is corrupted
- RW2 files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
- Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open RW2 files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
- RW2 file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)