ARW to CGM Converter

Transform ARW camera images to CGM format online

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Easy to Use

Converting Sony ARW to CGM takes just a few clicks — upload, choose the format, and download. The interface is clean and intuitive.

Batch Processing

Convert multiple Sony ARW photos to CGM at once. Upload a batch, set the format, and download all converted images together.

Cloud Conversion

The heavy lifting happens in the cloud — your computer stays responsive while Sony ARW images are converted to CGM on powerful servers.

How to convert ARW to CGM

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose cgm or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your cgm file right afterwards

About formats

ARW (Alpha RAW) is Sony's proprietary RAW image format used across the Alpha mirrorless and DSLR camera lineup, introduced in 2006 with the Alpha DSLR-A100. Built on a TIFF-like container structure, ARW stores the unprocessed readout from Sony's Exmor and Exmor R/RS CMOS sensors at 12 or 14 bits per pixel, retaining the complete dynamic range and color information before any in-camera processing is applied. The format includes detailed metadata — AF point data, lens distortion profiles, face detection results, and real-time tracking information from newer bodies — enabling RAW processors to replicate or refine the camera's processing decisions after the fact. ARW has evolved through several revisions: ARW 1.0 used simple per-row compression, ARW 2.0 introduced a more efficient delta encoding scheme, and ARW 4.0 added lossless compression support. One advantage is the exceptional latitude for exposure correction: Sony's sensor technology captures 14+ stops of dynamic range in many bodies, and the uncompressed ARW data preserves this range fully, allowing photographers to recover shadow detail or pull back highlights well beyond what JPEG permits. The format's integration with Sony's ecosystem is another practical strength — Creative Styles, Picture Profiles, and in-camera lens corrections are stored as metadata tags rather than baked into the data, giving photographers complete flexibility during post-processing. ARW files are supported by Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, and Sony's own Imaging Edge software suite.
Developer: Sony
Initial release: 2006
CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) is a vector graphics standard defined by ISO 8632, first published in 1987 and developed through the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 committee. The standard defines a device-independent format for storing and transferring two-dimensional vector graphics, raster images, and text. CGM supports three encoding methods: character encoding (compact text representation), binary encoding (efficient machine-readable form), and clear-text encoding (human-readable for debugging). The format describes graphical primitives including polylines, polygons, ellipses, circular arcs, splines, and text with associated attributes for color, line style, fill patterns, and clipping boundaries. CGM found its strongest adoption in technical documentation, particularly in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors where long-term archival and precise technical illustration are critical. One advantage is formal standardization — as an ISO standard, CGM provides vendor-neutral, specification-driven interoperability guaranteed across compliant implementations. The format's adoption in specialized industries is another practical strength: WebCGM, a W3C profile of CGM, became the mandated illustration format for interactive electronic technical manuals in the aerospace industry (ATA iSpec 2200), ensuring CGM's continued relevance in aviation maintenance documentation. While general-purpose vector work has moved to SVG and PDF, CGM persists in regulated industries where certified, standards-based graphics interchange is mandatory.
Initial release: 1987

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert ARW to CGM?

Converting ARW raster data to a vector-based format makes the image resolution-independent — useful for certain design, illustration, and print workflows.

What programs open CGM?

Programs that handle CGM include technical illustration tools, CAD viewers, and CGM-compatible applications.

Does the converter work on mobile devices?

Absolutely. The ARW to CGM converter works on phones and tablets — any device with a modern web browser and internet connection is sufficient.

Is the ARW to CGM conversion free?

You can convert ARW to CGM for free on convertio.tools. Larger or more frequent conversions are available with a subscription plan.

Is registration required?

No account is needed for basic ARW to CGM conversions. Just open the converter, upload your Sony photo, and download the result.