ARRIRAW

ARRIRAW is a RAW video format developed by ARRI for its digital cinema cameras, most notably the ALEXA family. It records the sensor’s native data with minimal in-camera processing, preserving raw brightness and color information for post-production. The format is designed to offer maximum flexibility in color grading, white balance, and exposure adjustments after capture.

ARRIRAW frames comprise the unprocessed sensor data along with comprehensive metadata such as exposure settings, lens data, and color science parameters. The data can be stored either uncompressed or with ARRI-provided compression, which can be lossless or lossy depending on the workflow and storage constraints. Bit depth is high and typically corresponds to linear sensor data, allowing fine tonal control in post.

Open Gate is a workflow option in which the full sensor footprint is recorded, enabling reframing in post.

Because ARRIRAW is essentially raw sensor data, it requires specialized tools to decode and debayer. ARRI provides its own software and plug-ins, and many post-production systems support ARRIRAW workflows via third-party codecs and plug-ins. The result is a high-quality image with wide dynamic range and color fidelity.

ARRIRAW is used in feature films, television productions, and high-end commercial work where image flexibility and archival quality are paramount.