Camera RAW conversion
Convert CR3 to PDF
CR3 is the RAW format newer Canon cameras save straight from the sensor, and PDF is a document format that opens on nearly any computer without photo software. To convert CR3 to PDF, open a converter, drop in the photo, and export it as PDF. Doing this on your own computer keeps the original RAW file, and the camera data inside it, off other people's servers.
All 2,748 conversions verified on macOS, Windows, and Linux against the shipping release, this one included. Every conversion runs entirely on your own computer.
- Extension
- .cr3
- Type
- Camera RAW
- Typically
- Newer Canon cameras
- Metadata
- Carries EXIF
- Extension
- Type
- Documents
- Typically
- The universal document format
- Metadata
- Carries EXIF
Convert CR3 to PDF on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
One-time purchase, no subscription. 14 days to change your mind.
How to convert CR3 to PDF
- Open Morphjet and drag in the CR3 files you want to convert. Add one photo or a whole folder of shoots at once.
- Choose PDF as the output format.
- Convert. Each photo is written out as its own PDF next to your originals, and nothing leaves your machine.
CR3 vs PDF: what actually changes
| CR3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Opens everywhere | No, needs Canon software or a RAW-aware app | Yes, opens on almost any computer or phone |
| File size | Large, raw sensor data (compressed) | Smaller, a single rendered image |
| Editing latitude | High, exposure and white balance can be adjusted after the fact | None, the image is flattened and fixed |
| Quality | Full sensor data, unprocessed | A rendered, final version of that data |
| Keeps camera metadata (EXIF) | Yes, extensive | Yes, though only what's embedded at export |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert CR3 to PDF when you need to send a proof, put a shot in a document for review, or hand someone a file they can open without any photo software.
Keep the CR3 if you still plan to edit the shot, since converting to PDF bakes in one fixed rendering and throws away the exposure and color adjustments RAW still leaves open.
Why not just use an online converter?
CR3 files carry the camera's EXIF data, including settings like shutter speed and ISO, and sometimes GPS coordinates if location tagging was on. Sending that file to an online converter means a server somewhere gets the untouched original, location data included. Converting on your own machine means the RAW file and everything recorded inside it never leave your computer.
Questions
Does converting CR3 to PDF lose quality?
The PDF is a rendered, flattened version of the RAW data, so you lose the ability to re-adjust exposure or white balance afterward. For viewing or printing, the result looks the same as what you'd see in any photo viewer.
Will the PDF keep the camera settings and location data?
Whatever metadata is embedded at export carries over, but it won't be the full set CR3 stores. If you're sharing the PDF publicly, check what's attached before sending it.
Why would I convert a RAW photo to PDF instead of JPG?
PDF is useful when the photo is going into a document, like a proof sheet, a report, or a delivery someone needs to open without photo software. For everyday viewing or editing, JPG or the original CR3 is usually more useful.
Can I convert CR3 to PDF without uploading the file?
Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts the file on your own computer, so the RAW original never travels over the internet. It works fine with wifi off.
Morphjet runs this conversion and 2,747 others, all on your machine. Available now.
One-time purchase, no subscription. 14 days to change your mind.