How to Read CR3 Metadata (Canon RAW)
A Canon .cr3 file stores standard EXIF metadata (camera, lens, exposure, date, and GPS if available) plus Canon's proprietary MakerNotes with extra detail like lens ID and autofocus data. The easiest way to read it is to drop the file into the CR3 metadata viewer, which parses the RAW and shows the embedded preview in your browser, no Canon software required. Here's what a CR3 contains.
What is a CR3 file?
CR3 is Canon's current RAW format, introduced with the EOS M50 and used across the EOS R mirrorless line and recent DSLRs. It replaced the older CR2 format and, unlike CR2, is built on the ISO Base Media File Format (the same container family as HEIC and MP4). Canon also added a compressed C-RAW option that uses the same .cr3 extension.
What metadata a CR3 stores
| Category | Fields |
|---|---|
| Camera | Body model, serial number, firmware |
| Lens | Lens model, lens ID, focal length |
| Exposure | Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, metering, exposure mode |
| Date & time | Capture, digitized, modified |
| GPS | Coordinates, if a GPS source was connected |
| Canon MakerNotes | AF points, shooting mode, picture style, and more |
The standard EXIF fields appear in tidy tabs; the full set, including MakerNotes, shows in the raw data dump.
How to read CR3 metadata
In your browser (easiest)
Drop the .cr3 into the CR3 viewer. ExifGrabber reads the RAW metadata and extracts the embedded JPEG preview so you see both the image and the data, entirely on your device.
With Canon software
Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) reads CR3 and shows shooting information. It's thorough but heavier than a quick browser check, and it's Canon-specific.
In Lightroom or Camera Raw
Adobe apps read CR3 and display metadata in the Metadata panel, mapping much of it into XMP.
Does a CR3 show the shutter count?
Usually not. Canon generally does not write shutter actuations into photo metadata, so a CR3 typically won't reveal it. If you're verifying a used Canon body, see our shutter count guide for what is and isn't possible.
Why some tools can't open a CR3
Because CR3 uses a modern container and Canon's compression, older or generic viewers sometimes can't parse it. A tool with dedicated CR3 support reads it directly and pulls the embedded preview. To learn how CR3 compares to other RAW formats, see the full EXIF viewer, which supports every major format.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a CR3 file to read its metadata?
Drop the .cr3 into a browser viewer like ExifGrabber's CR3 viewer, which parses the RAW and extracts the embedded preview. You can also use Canon's Digital Photo Professional or Adobe Lightroom.
Does a CR3 file show the shutter count?
Usually not. Canon doesn't record shutter actuations in standard photo metadata, so it typically won't appear in a CR3. Verifying a used Canon usually requires service tools.
What's the difference between CR2 and CR3?
CR3 is Canon's newer RAW format, built on a modern ISO BMFF container with an added compressed C-RAW option. CR2 is the older TIFF-based format. A good viewer reads both.
Can I read CR3 metadata without Canon software?
Yes. A browser-based viewer reads CR3 directly and shows the full metadata plus the embedded preview, with no Canon DPP or Adobe software needed.
What are Canon MakerNotes?
MakerNotes are a manufacturer-specific block inside the metadata where Canon records extra detail like autofocus points, picture style, and shooting mode. A viewer's raw data dump exposes these fields.