How Do I Repair Corrupted ARW Files

Theo Lucia updated Jul 07, 26

5 min(s)

TL;DR:

You can repair corrupted Sony ARW files by working on a duplicate file, testing it across multiple RAW-compatible programs, and exporting any partial preview as a TIFF, DNG, or JPEG.
    ● Always keep the original ARW file untouched on its source device and perform all recovery attempts on a copy saved to a different drive.
    ● Direct repair rarely works if the file size is 0 KB or unusually small, requiring you to scan the original SD card for recoverable copies instead.
    ● If the image fails to open due to a broken header but retains a normal file size, use a dedicated tool like Repairit Photo Repair to rebuild the ARW structure.

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Corrupted ARW files can sometimes be repaired if the image data is still present and only the file structure, metadata, or storage medium is damaged. The usual approach is to copy the original ARW file, test it in different RAW-compatible software, check whether the source device caused the corruption, and then use photo repair if the Sony RAW file remains unreadable.

Follow these steps to avoid making the corruption worse and maximize the chance of getting a readable photo.

Step 1
Create a copy of the ARW file before any repair attempt. Keep the original untouched. Save a duplicate to another drive to avoid further damage during repair.
Step 2
Open the copied ARW file in multiple RAW-compatible programs. Some apps fail on metadata errors while others can still decode image data. Test Sony imaging software or another RAW viewer/editor.
Step 3
Check the storage device for file system problems. If the ARW file came from an SD card or external drive, run an error check on the device. File system corruption often causes damaged ARW photos even when image data is still recoverable.
Step 4
Export or resave the image if one program can open it partially. If a preview appears, save the file as TIFF, DNG, or JPEG. Partial access often means the photo content is intact even if the ARW container is damaged.
Step 5
Use photo repair if the ARW file remains unreadable. If multiple RAW-compatible programs cannot open the photo, a dedicated photo repair tool may help repair damaged ARW files, rebuild usable image content, or recover a viewable copy when enough RAW data remains.

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue	Likely cause	Fix
ARW file will not open at all	Broken header or unsupported codec	Test newer RAW software or a repair tool that rebuilds ARW structure.
Only thumbnail is visible	Full RAW data is corrupted but embedded preview remains	Extract the preview or try exporting from software that can read partial data.
Multiple ARW files became damaged at once	SD card corruption or interrupted transfer	Stop using the card, copy remaining files, and scan the card for recoverable originals.
Colors, bands, or half images appear	Incomplete write during shooting or card removal	Repair attempts may fail; recover another copy from the card if available.
File size shows 0 KB or unusually small	Failed save or severe corruption	Direct repair rarely works; focus on ARW recovery from the source device.

Quick Tips

These tips can help you avoid repeat corruption and improve repair success.

Renaming an ARW file rarely fixes corruption unless only the extension changed during transfer.
Editing software updates can matter. Older apps may report damage on newer Sony RAW variants.
A repaired file may lose metadata even when image content is restored.
If corruption started after import, the SD card copy may be healthier than the computer copy.

💡Protip:

Before repairing corrupted ARW files, keep the original Sony RAW photos unchanged and work only on copied versions. Photo repair usually works better when the file size is normal and enough image data remains.