The ARW files are photo files created with Sony digital cameras, usually the of the Alpha series. These are raw files which contain unprocessed image captured with a digital camera. The ARW format has many similarities to other raw images (SR2 or SRF) supported by Sony cameras.
NEF is a raw image file that stores data exactly as it was captured by camera’s sensor. NEF is a proprietary format owned by Nikon, and only Nikon software, codecs, and plugins support it.
After converting the file to the new format, you will be able to use other programs to support it. Keep in mind, however, that the ARW file after converting to NEF may differ slightly from the original. The most important information should be kept, but if you want the file after conversion from ARW to NEF to be the same, you have to do this carefully and choose the proper application from the list below.
There is no guarantee, of course, that the conversion will come up to all your expectations, but it will certainly help you. If, after all, the effect of converting ARW to NEF does not meet your expectations, you can simply try to find on the Internet a different version of your file in ARW format, properly converted to a NEF file by someone else. If this fails, use the information provided in the further part of the website.
If after converting the file ARW the desired result was not achieved, you can try to change the format of ARW file to other than NEF. On our website you will find more information on the following conversion options
Unfortunately, if after performing the two previously described steps (trying to find your ARW file converted by someone else, and the attempt to convert it to NEF on your own) you still have a problem with your file, then there are only a few solutions left. You can once again try to find and install an application that can open the ARW file in its original format (without conversion to NEF file). Such a solution will be difficult to implement, but it certainly will give the best result.