Camera RAW conversion
Convert CR2 to AVIF
Updated Jul 2026
CR2 is Canon's raw photo format, unprocessed and large; AVIF is a modern, heavily compressed format built for the web. To convert, open the CR2 in a converter, choose AVIF, and export a finished image at a fraction of the size. Doing this on your own computer means the RAW file never leaves your machine.
- Extension
- .cr2
- Type
- Camera RAW
- Typically
- Canon cameras
- Metadata
- Carries EXIF
- Extension
- .avif
- Type
- Images
- Typically
- Next-gen web images
- Compression
- Lossy
- Transparency
- Supported
Convert CR2 to AVIF on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
How to convert CR2 to AVIF
- Open Morphjet and drag in the CR2 files straight from your camera's memory card, or a whole folder at once.
- Choose AVIF as the output format, and set a quality level if you want a smaller file.
- Convert. The AVIFs are written next to your originals, and nothing leaves your machine.
CR2 vs AVIF: what actually changes
| CR2 | AVIF | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | Large, 20 to 30MB per photo, uncompressed sensor data | Small, often under 1MB at high quality |
| Quality | Full sensor data, nothing discarded | Very good, but compressed and finalized on export |
| Editability | Exposure, white balance, and color fully adjustable with no loss | Locked in, only basic edits possible afterward |
| Compatibility | Needs Canon software or a RAW-capable editor | Growing browser and app support, but not universal yet |
| Keeps camera metadata (EXIF) | Yes, full shooting data | Carries over unless stripped |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert CR2 to AVIF when you want to share a shot, post it online, or archive Canon RAW photos as small finished images without keeping every original at full RAW size.
Keep the CR2 if you still might edit exposure, white balance, or color, because once it's flattened to AVIF, those RAW adjustments are gone for good.
Why not just use an online converter?
CR2 files carry the shooting data your Canon recorded: camera model, lens, settings, and sometimes GPS location if your camera has it enabled. Upload that file to an online converter and all of that travels to their server along with the image. Converting on your own computer keeps the RAW file, and everything it recorded, on your machine the whole time.
Questions
Does converting CR2 to AVIF lose quality?
In the sense that you lose RAW editing flexibility, yes. But visually, AVIF's compression is efficient enough that a well-exported image looks very close to the original at a fraction of the size.
Will the AVIF keep the photo's metadata?
Camera settings and date typically carry over, though it depends on the converter. If your camera recorded GPS location and you're planning to share the photo, it's worth checking before you post it.
Why isn't AVIF supported everywhere yet?
It's newer than JPEG, so some older devices, apps, and photo software haven't added support for it. Current browsers and most recent phones and computers handle it fine.
Can I convert CR2 to AVIF without uploading my photos?
Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet processes the RAW file locally, so it never travels over the internet, even with wifi off.
Should I keep my CR2 originals after converting?
If you might ever want to re-edit exposure or color, yes. AVIF is a finished, compressed image, not something you can un-bake back into RAW.
Morphjet converts CR2, AVIF, and 1,800+ other formats, all on your machine. Launching this July.