Convert ARW to PNG on Mac
Select the ARW files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose PNG and press Return. FileFlip saves each PNG next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert ARW to PNG with FileFlip
Select the ARW files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from ARW. Type “PNG” to jump to it.
Choose PNG and press Return
The PNG files appear next to the originals with the same names. The ARW files stay as they are.
ARW and PNG
Raw files are large and most apps and websites can’t show them, so they have to be developed into a regular image before sharing. PNG keeps every pixel and supports transparency, which is what you want for screenshots, graphics and further editing.
What changes when you convert
- A raw file is unprocessed sensor data. Converting develops it into a finished image, so keep the ARW if you may want to edit it later.
| Property | ARW | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Sony Alpha Raw | Portable Network Graphics |
| Made by | Sony | PNG Development Group |
| Compression | Unprocessed sensor data, lossless or lightly compressed | Lossless |
| Best for | Editing photos with the most room for adjustments | Screenshots, logos, graphics and images with text or transparency |
| Opens in | Raw editors such as Lightroom, plus Photos and Preview when macOS supports the camera model | Everywhere, including every web browser |
| File extension | .arw | .png |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Preview
Open the ARW in Preview, choose File → Export, pick PNG from the Format menu and click Save. For several files, open them together, select all thumbnails in the sidebar and choose File → Export Selected Images.
Works when macOS supports your camera model.
Photos
If the pictures are in your Photos library, select them, choose File → Export → Export Photos and set Photo Kind to PNG.
Good for pictures already in your library.
Terminal
The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.
sips -s format png DSC_0001.arw \
--out DSC_0001.pngBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about ARW and PNG
Can I convert many ARW files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose PNG. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Should I keep the ARW file?
Yes. The raw file holds more information than any finished image, so keep it if you may want to edit the photo again.
Where is the PNG file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .png extension. The ARW file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert PNG back to ARW?
No. FileFlip opens ARW files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole shoot at once
FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac