CR2 files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Canon Raw 2 Image
The CR2 file format stores uncompressed, high-quality image data from Canon digital cameras. It is based on the TIFF specification. CR2 replaces the older CRW raw image format used in older Canon mode...
The CR2 file format stores uncompressed, high-quality image data from Canon digital cameras. It is based on the TIFF specification. CR2 replaces the older CRW raw image format used in older Canon models, and was later replaced by the CR3 format in 2018.
CR2 images can open with free programs like IrfanView and UFRaw. Professional photographers often import CR2 files into editing software like Adobe Photoshop to process the images. Hobbyists also use CR2 files for high-quality printing and editing.
To share a photo stored in the CR2 format, convert it to JPG or PNG first. This reduces the file size for easier sharing. However, converting the CR2 discards some raw camera data. Before converting, save a copy of the CR2 to retain this data for future editing.
The CR2 file format contains detailed, high-resolution photographs from Canon cameras. CR2 files are uncompressed and high quality. But default image viewers cannot easily open them.
CR2 files also store metadata like white balance, bracketing information, and lens data. This metadata is lost when the RAW CR2 image is compressed into other formats like JPEG.
WidsMob Viewer Pro is software that can open and view Canon CR2 files. It also supports other common formats like JPEG and HEIC. The viewer software allows editing the CR2 photos. It has tools to delete unwanted photos, compare similar images, and view metadata.
Adobe Photoshop
Canon Digital Photo Professional