Fast · private · local browser processing
Online Canon CR3 Viewer
Preview and review Canon CR3 files directly in your browser. Photos stay on your device and are never uploaded.
No upload · No account · No installation
Why use ViewRawNow for CR3 files?
ViewRawNow is a local-first review tool for quickly checking a folder of Canon RAW photos before editing.
- No photo upload, account, or installation
- See RAW previews quickly
- Batch review, sorting, and larger previews
- Quickly enlarge thumbnails and zoom in or out
- Select photos you don't like individually, in groups, or as a range
- Delete photos you don't want in Chrome or Edge
What is the CR3 format?
CR3 (Canon RAW 3) is a Canon camera RAW format. Its ISO Base Media File Format (ISO BMFF) container normally stores sensor data, camera metadata, and embedded previews.
ViewRawNow reads camera-written JPEG previews first. It loads local LibRaw WASM only when a suitable embedded preview is unavailable; it does not claim to develop every camera or compression variant.
How to open Canon CR3 files without Canon software
Choose a local folder to view Canon CR3 photos in the browser without Digital Photo Professional, an account, or a photo upload. ViewRawNow extracts a review preview from each supported CR3 container.
How CR3 differs from CR2
CR3 replaced CR2's TIFF-based layout with an ISO Base Media File Format container. ViewRawNow inspects PRVW and THMB boxes plus JPEG tracks instead of treating CR3 as a renamed CR2 file.
C-RAW changes how Canon compresses the sensor payload, but supported EOS R fixtures still expose browser-readable preview images. Those camera previews can look different from a full RAW conversion in Digital Photo Professional or Lightroom.
The regression baseline covers Canon EOS R full RAW and 1.6× crop C-RAW without Dual Pixel RAW. Canon RAW Burst and other multi-frame layouts are deliberately rejected rather than presenting one frame as if the complete burst were supported; Canon CRM is a video container and is outside photo support.
How ViewRawNow opens CR3 files
- Find CR3 files in the selected local folder and verify the ISO Base Media File Format (ISO BMFF) container.
- Inspect PRVW, THMB, and JPEG tracks for usable embedded images.
- Choose a preview near 1800 pixels for progressively rendered cards.
- Read the largest suitable preview only when the larger viewer opens.
- Use local LibRaw WASM only when no embedded preview can be used.
- Keep RAW bytes, filenames, paths, and EXIF data on the device.
Tested CR3 compatibility
Real-camera tested
Real-camera regression coverage currently includes Canon EOS R samples.
- full-frame full RAW CR3
- 1.6× crop C-RAW CR3
- samples without Dual Pixel RAW
Compatibility may vary by camera model and RAW compression mode.
Known CR3 limitations
- Compatibility can vary by camera model, firmware, and RAW recording mode.
- Per-frame Canon RAW Burst and other unsupported multi-frame scenarios are not available.
- Not currently supported as CR3: Canon CRM video and legacy CRW.
Supported CR3 review workflow
- Browse an SD card or local RAW folder
- See previews appear progressively and sort the shoot
- Open a larger preview, then zoom and pan
- Review available EXIF and capture information
- Select individual rejects or a range
- Delete confirmed originals or export a reject list
CR3 viewer FAQ
Can I open CR3 files online?
Yes. ViewRawNow opens CR3 files from a local folder in your desktop browser. The review happens on your device rather than through a photo-upload service.
Are my CR3 photos uploaded?
No. RAW data, previews, filenames, paths, and EXIF metadata remain in the browser. ViewRawNow has no RAW photo upload endpoint.
Can ViewRawNow edit or convert CR3 files?
No. ViewRawNow is for previewing, sorting, inspecting, and selecting RAW photos. It does not adjust or convert sensor data.
Which Canon cameras are tested?
The current real-camera regression baseline covers Canon EOS R with these samples: full-frame full RAW CR3, 1.6× crop C-RAW CR3, samples without Dual Pixel RAW. Other models may work, but they are not claimed as verified.
Why can CR3 previews fail?
A usable embedded JPEG may be missing or damaged, or the file may use a variant that the bundled LibRaw cannot decode. Per-frame Canon RAW Burst and other unsupported multi-frame scenarios are not available.