Olympus Raw Format
image/x-olympus-orf
Released 2000
· by Olympus Corporation (Now OM Digital Solutions)
The image/x-olympus-orf MIME type represents the Olympus Raw Format (ORF). Developed by Olympus Corporation (and now maintained by OM Digital Solutions), ORF is a proprietary raw image format utilized across Olympus digital cameras, including the OM-D, PEN, and classic E-System series. Structurally based on the TIFF specification but featuring unique proprietary headers, an ORF file stores uncompressed or losslessly compressed raw pixel data directly from the camera's sensor. This format preserves maximum dynamic range, precise 12-bit color depth, and essential EXIF metadata required for high-fidelity post-processing.
Technical Specifications
.orf
NoneOlympus Proprietary Lossless
image/orf
Magic Bytes & HTTP Headers
IIRO or MMOR or IIRS
Browser Support Matrix
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Not Supported | Legacy |
Advantages & Limitations
- Retains maximum sensor data, allowing extreme recovery of highlights and shadows that would be permanently lost in a JPEG
- White balance, sharpening, and color profiling are saved as metadata instructions, meaning they can be completely altered in post-production
- Unique magic byte signatures make programmatic file sniffing highly reliable compared to other camera manufacturers' TIFF-spoofing headers
- Proprietary format means it requires constant updates to raw processing engines every time a new camera model is released
- Produces very large file sizes (often 15MB to 30MB+ per image depending on sensor resolution)
- Cannot be directly embedded into web pages or used in standard HTML/CSS contexts
Developer Code Snippets
File Detection Steps
How to programmatically detect a image/x-olympus-orf
file by reading its raw bytes:
- 1 Unlike many other raw formats (like Canon CR2 or Nikon NEF) that strictly use the standard TIFF magic bytes (49 49 2A 00), Olympus ORF files utilize unique 4-byte ASCII identifiers.
- 2 Check the first 4 bytes for specific Olympus signatures such as 'IIRO' (Hex: 49 49 52 4F), 'MMOR' (Hex: 4D 4D 4F 52), or 'IIRS' (Hex: 49 49 53 52).
- 3 Some older variants may also begin with 'II+M' (Hex: 49 49 2B 4D). Because of these distinct headers, programmatic identification of ORF is generally more reliable than other TIFF-based raw formats.
Software Support
Conversion Tools
Share & Embed
[](https://freewebptojpg.com/mime/image/olympus-orf)
<iframe src="https://freewebptojpg.com/mime/image/olympus-orf/embed" width="100%" height="280" style="border:1px solid #cbd5e1;border-radius:8px;" title="Olympus-ORF Specs"></iframe>
JSON API
All data on this page is available as a free, open JSON API. Use it in your project, documentation, or tooling.
GET https://freewebptojpg.com/mime/image/olympus-orf.json
Open JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Olympus ORF file?
An ORF (Olympus Raw Format) file is a raw image generated by Olympus and OM System digital cameras. It contains unprocessed sensor data, offering significantly higher dynamic range, detail, and color depth compared to a standard compressed JPEG image.
How do I open an ORF file?
Because ORF is a raw format, standard web browsers and basic image viewers often cannot render it natively. You need specialized software like OM Workspace, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop (via Camera Raw), Capture One, or open-source alternatives like RawTherapee.
Are ORF files just standard TIFFs?
While ORF files are built upon the TIFF container architecture, they utilize proprietary magic headers (like 'IIRO' or 'MMOR') instead of standard TIFF signatures. They also contain proprietary Olympus MakerNote metadata necessary for proper raw demosaicing.