.orf

What is a .orf file?

ORF is the RAW image format used by Olympus (now OM System) digital cameras.

Safe format
Type Image
By Olympus Corporation (now OM Digital Solutions)
MIME image/x-olympus-orf

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What is it

ORF files contain the unprocessed sensor data from Olympus cameras — every photon the sensor captured, before the camera's software applies white balance, sharpening, noise reduction, and colour adjustments. For photographers, this means maximum flexibility in post-processing. Overexposed? Recover the highlights. Wrong white balance? Fix it without quality loss.

The format is based on TIFF structure with Olympus-specific metadata extensions. Each ORF file contains the raw sensor data plus a JPEG preview thumbnail, Exif metadata (camera settings, GPS, lens info), and Olympus-specific processing parameters. File sizes range from 12-25 MB per image depending on the sensor resolution.

Olympus Workspace (free) is the manufacturer's own RAW processor, but most photographers use Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or darktable for ORF editing. For archival, consider converting to DNG (Adobe's universal RAW format) to ensure long-term software support, especially since Olympus cameras are now sold under the OM System brand.

Technical details
Full Name
Olympus RAW Image
MIME Type
image/x-olympus-orf
Developer
Olympus Corporation (now OM Digital Solutions)
Magic Bytes
49 49 52 4F
Safety
.orf is a known, safe format. Image data only. No executable content.
What opens it
Adobe Lightroom
$9.99/mo Windows / Mac
darktable
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
RawTherapee
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
FAQ
How do I open ORF files?
Adobe Lightroom, darktable (free), and RawTherapee (free) all handle ORF files. Olympus Workspace (free from Olympus) is the manufacturer's own editor.
Should I shoot ORF or JPEG?
ORF if you plan to edit your photos — RAW files give you far more flexibility in adjusting exposure, colour, and white balance. JPEG if you want ready-to-share images without editing.
Can I convert ORF to DNG?
Yes. Adobe DNG Converter (free) converts ORF to DNG, Adobe's universal RAW format. This ensures long-term software compatibility regardless of future Olympus/OM System support.
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