Quick answer: To send a large CR3 file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. One 45 MP CR3 photo is about 50 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a CR3 file?
CR3 is the raw photo format on Canon cameras from around 2018 onwards, including the EOS R series, the 90D and the M50. It holds the untouched sensor data so exposure and colour can be adjusted later in Lightroom or similar software.
Size tracks the sensor's megapixels. Canon also offers C-RAW, a compressed option that is roughly 30 to 40 percent smaller, so two files from the same camera can differ a lot.
Extensions: .cr3.
How big are CR3 files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| One photo from a 24 megapixel camera (full RAW) | about 25 to 30 MB |
| One photo from a 45 megapixel camera such as the EOS R5 (full RAW) | about 45 to 60 MB |
| The same 45 megapixel photo in C-RAW | about 25 to 35 MB |
| A wedding set of 1,500 CR3 files (24 to 45 MP) | roughly 40 to 80 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send one 45 MP CR3 photo (about 50 MB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | Yes |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send CR3 files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop CR3 files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.
Tips for sending CR3 files
- Keep any .XMP sidecar files next to the CR3 files so the recipient sees your edits.
- Zip a whole shoot folder so file order and names are preserved.
- Tell the recipient the camera model. Very new bodies can need an updated Lightroom or Camera Raw.
- Send JPEG previews in a separate folder for anyone who just wants to look.
How to open a CR3 file
Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop (Camera Raw), Capture One and Canon's free Digital Photo Professional open CR3 on Windows and Mac. On a Mac, Photos and Preview open CR3 from supported cameras. On Windows, the Photos app shows many CR3 files with Microsoft's Raw Image Extension. Lightroom Mobile opens them on iPhone and Android.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my CR3 file open in Photoshop?
Usually because Camera Raw is older than the camera. Updating Photoshop or Lightroom adds support for new Canon models.
How big is a Canon CR3 file?
Roughly one MB per megapixel for full RAW, so about 25 to 30 MB on a 24 MP camera and 45 to 60 MB on a 45 MP camera. C-RAW is noticeably smaller.
Will sending CR3 files change them?
No. The files are delivered unchanged, so your recipient gets the same raw data you shot.
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