Convert CR2 to JPG on Windows: 3 Methods

Real estate and portrait workflows store Canon CR2 files for editing. Upload forms want JPEG. Converting CR2 to JPG on Windows means export from Photos, Lightroom, or Canon tools, then optional resize for MLS caps. Keep card copies read-only. Write JPEG to deliverables\jpeg\ only.

Keep the CR2 master

Never overwrite CR2. Never email CR2 unless requested. See RAW to JPG on Windows for cross-brand practice. For DNG, see DNG to JPG on Windows .

Method 1: Export JPEG from Photos

Best for: Windows 11 Photos when the CR2 opens cleanly (Canon codecs may be required).

1. Open CR2 files in Photos.
2. Select images, then export or Save as when available.
3. Save JPEG to deliverables\jpeg\ at high quality.

Photos defaults to sRGB JPEG, which matches most portal requirements. Compare three random exports at 100% zoom before you upload the full set.

Limitation: Blank preview usually means install a Canon codec or switch to Lightroom. Batch from a card copy often flows faster through Lightroom than importing hundreds of CR2 into Photos only to export.

Method 2: Lightroom or Canon software

Best for: Every CR2 variant and repeatable client recipes.

1. Import CR2 with your edit preset in Lightroom or Canon Digital Photo Professional.
2. Export → JPEG, quality 80 to 95.
3. Set long edge per portal rules.

Optionally resize after export with FFmpeg (install with winget if needed):

winget install --id Gyan.FFmpeg -e
mkdir web
Get-ChildItem deliverables\*.jpg | ForEach-Object {
 ffmpeg -i $_.FullName -vf scale=3000:-2 -q:v 3 "web\$($_.BaseName)-3000.jpg"
}

Limitation: Paint is not a RAW tool. Use Photos or Lightroom for CR2, Paint only for cropping a finished JPEG if needed.

Method 3: Size JPEG deliverables in GetCompress

Best for: After JPEG exists, when an MLS or gallery set needs one shared max width and quality.

1. Export JPEG from Photos or Lightroom first.
2. Drop the deliverables folder into GetCompress .
3. Set max width and a quality level (for example High or Medium) to match the portal.
4. Export a sized copy; keep masters untouched.

Processing stays on your PC. Save presets per client so second shooters match width and quality without asking each job.

Limitation: GetCompress does not develop CR2. It sizes and compresses JPEG deliverables after demosaic.

Which method should you use

When Photos export is enough

Photos (or Lightroom) can work when one export already matches portal width and quality.

GetCompress also helps when the proof folder still needs a consistent max width, quality preset, or local batch after export. It does not replace Lightroom. For sizing rules after export, see how to compress images on Windows . For Mac, see CR2 to JPG on Mac .