Tips to open RW2 file

Can't open the RW2 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open RW2 files as well as a list of programs that support RW2 files.

RW2 file extension

File Name Panasonic RAW Image
File Developer Panasonic
File Category Data Files

The RW2 file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the RW2 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the RW2 file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is RW2 file?

The file in the RW2 format belongs to the Data Files category. The creator of this file is Panasonic. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Panasonic RAW Image is supported by 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The main program that supports this format is Adobe Photoshop Elements. This was created by Adobe Systems Incorporated. This file type can also be opened by 18 other programs. ACDSee, PaintShop Pro, Adobe DNG Converter, RawTherapee will apply when it is not possible to use Adobe Photoshop Elements.

How to open RW2 file?

The main problem with Panasonic RAW Image is that the RW2 file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that RW2 files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the RW2 file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Photoshop Elements

The first step is to check if the computer has the Adobe Photoshop Elements program installed. To do this, enter the name Adobe Photoshop Elements into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file RW2 with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Below you will find a list of applications that support RW2 files.

Programs to open RW2 file

Remember to download programs supporting RW2 files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Photoshop Elements with RW2 files

If, despite the installed application, the RW2 file does not start in the Adobe Photoshop Elements application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the RW2 file with the Adobe Photoshop Elements program.

Step 3. Update Adobe Photoshop Elements to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Adobe Photoshop Elements program, it is possible that Panasonic RAW Image requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Adobe Systems Incorporated page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the RW2 file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

The RW2 file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the RW2 file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the RW2 file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected RW2 file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the RW2 files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged RW2 files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Panasonic, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted RW2 files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move RW2 to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file RW2 to close. However, some background programs may block the RW2 file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.