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What is ARW?

Sony Alpha Raw (ARW) is Sony's proprietary raw image format containing unprocessed sensor data from Sony Alpha and Cyber-shot cameras.

What is X3F?

Sigma Raw (X3F) contains raw sensor data from Sigma cameras using the unique Foveon X3 sensor technology.

When Should You Use ARW vs X3F?

Use ARW When...

Reach for ARW when your priority is sony camera post-processing, professional editing — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

Use X3F When...

Reach for X3F when your priority is sigma/foveon camera raw processing — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

ARW vs X3F: Key Differences

  • •ARW and X3F diverge on compression: lossless compression for the source, lossless compression for the target.
  • •Both formats share lossless compression, so quality behavior is similar across the two — file size differences come from algorithm efficiency rather than compression philosophy.
  • •Alpha channel support: X3F lacks transparency support.
  • •Storage footprint: 20-40MB per photo for ARW vs 25-60MB per photo for X3F.
  • •ARW is optimized for sony camera post-processing, professional editing while X3F is designed for sigma/foveon camera raw processing — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of ARW

  • ✓ARW compresses data using lossless methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Sony camera post-processing, professional editing.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means ARW files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Lossless quality makes ARW the gold standard for archival and master copies.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, ARW works out of the box.

Advantages of X3F

  • ✓X3F applies lossless compression specifically calibrated for Sigma/Foveon camera raw processing.
  • ✓X3F enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
  • ✓X3F guarantees every bit of the original data survives — no approximations, no shortcuts.
  • ✓You will find X3F support built into virtually every tool that handles Sigma/Foveon camera raw processing — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for ARW to X3F Conversion

  • Brochure and flyer design
  • Newsletter graphics
  • Video thumbnail creation
  • Certificate and badge design
  • Websites and online content
  • Print materials and publications

Industry Applications

Real Estate PhotographyGame DevelopmentScientific VisualizationE-learning ContentWeb DevelopmentGraphic Design

Best Practices for ARW to X3F Conversion

  • →Before converting ARW to X3F, decide whether you need maximum quality or smallest file size — this determines which format truly fits
  • →Save a master copy in a lossless format before converting to X3F — you cannot recover detail lost during lossy compression
  • →Check the color profile: ARW images may use a wider gamut than X3F supports, causing a visible shift after conversion
  • →Resize images to the final display dimensions before converting — this avoids unnecessary processing of oversized files
  • →Run a single test conversion first to verify quality meets your standards
  • →Strip unnecessary metadata to reduce file size after conversion

Related Article

JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

Learn more about ARW and X3F formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting ARW to X3F Conversion

  • !Converting ARW to X3F gives blurry output → increase the quality setting before conversion
  • !Colors look different in X3F than ARW → check color profile mismatch (sRGB vs Adobe RGB)
  • !File size changed more than expected → X3F uses different compression, file size differences of 2-5x are normal
  • !Transparent areas in ARW turned white in X3F → X3F may not support transparency

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About ARW and X3F

ARW

ARW (Sony ARW raw) - Sony Alpha Raw, proprietary camera raw format for Sony cameras. Best for sony camera post-processing, professional editing.

X3F

X3F (Sigma X3F raw) - Sigma Raw, Foveon X3 sensor raw format. Ideal for sigma/foveon camera raw processing.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossless → Lossless
TransparencySupported
Use CaseConvert from sony camera post-processing, professional editing to sigma/foveon camera raw processing
File Size~25-60MB per photo after conversion

FAQs

Is converting ARW to X3F free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of ARW to X3F for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert ARW to X3F?

Most ARW to X3F conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is X3F best used for?

X3F is ideal for sigma/foveon camera raw processing. Sigma Raw, Foveon X3 sensor raw format

What file size should I expect after converting ARW to X3F?

File size after ARW to X3F conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

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