ARI File

What are ARI files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an ARI file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your ARI files.

What is an ARI file?

An .ARI file is an ARRIRAW Image file.

ARRIRAW image files store the native raw sensor data directly recorded by ARRI motion picture cameras. The format preserves the unprocessed image output from the camera's Bayer-pattern sensor, in either 12- or 13-bit depth, along with embedded metadata and ARRI's "Log C" encoding that retains maximum exposure latitude.

These files are produced by ARRI cameras such as the ALEXA, AMIRA, and ALEXA 65 series when set to record uncompressed raw data (single-frame file sequence). They are intended for high-end production workflows where post-capture processing - such as de-bayering, color grading, and color space conversion - is performed by software, allowing flexible control over exposure, white balance, and color before final image rendering.

ARRIRAW is an open format with published SMPTE Registered Disclosure Documents, including guides for image file structure, deferred de-bayering, and mapping into containers such as MXF. Single-frame ARRIRAW files are typically stored as a sequence of .ari files.

Files of this type begin with a byte-signature at the very start: the ASCII characters "ARRI.4Vx", represented by the bytes 0x41 52 52 49 12 34 56 78 at offset zero.

How to open ARI files

Important: Different programs may use files with the ARI file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your ARI file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested nine different ARI openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of ARI files. Remember, different programs may use ARI files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about ARI file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.