What is EXR?
EXR (OpenEXR) is a high dynamic range image format created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) for visual effects and 3D rendering. Released as open source in 2003, it has become the industry standard for professional VFX, animation, and CGI production.
EXR files store images in 16-bit or 32-bit floating-point format, capturing far more color and brightness information than standard images. They also support multiple layers, channels (like depth, motion vectors, cryptomatte), and lossless compression.
Every major VFX facility uses EXR in their pipeline-from Pixar and Disney to Marvel's visual effects. However, the format requires specialized software to view and often needs conversion for client deliverables or cross-platform use.
Why Convert EXR Files?
EXR is powerful but creates workflow challenges:
- Can't view without specialized software - Clients and non-artists can't open EXR files for review
- Large file sizes - Uncompressed EXR sequences can be hundreds of gigabytes
- Software compatibility - Some applications prefer different formats for specific uses
- Web and email sharing - EXR can't be displayed in browsers or email clients
- Print and delivery - Final deliverables are rarely in EXR format
- Multi-layer complexity - Sometimes you just need a flat image from a complex EXR
Converting EXR to JPG or PNG creates viewable files for client approval while keeping the original EXR for production work.
Convert EXR to Other Formats
Choose based on your workflow needs:
EXR to PNG
Best for client review and web sharing when you need transparency support. PNG preserves clean edges and works everywhere. 16-bit PNG can retain more tonal detail than 8-bit JPG.
EXR to JPG
Smallest file size for quick sharing and review. Applies tone mapping to compress the high dynamic range to standard display range. Good for email attachments and client previews.
EXR to TIFF
Preserves high bit depth (16-bit) for print production or further editing. TIFF is widely compatible and maintains quality. Good for deliverables to print facilities.
EXR to HDR
Converts to Radiance HDR format for software that prefers .hdr over .exr. Both preserve full dynamic range, but some applications have format preferences.
EXR to DPX
Film industry standard format. Convert when delivering to post-production facilities that work with DPX-based pipelines.
Convert Other Formats to EXR
Creating EXR files for VFX and 3D workflows:
TIFF to EXR
Bring high-bit-depth photography into your VFX pipeline. 16-bit TIFF converts well to EXR for compositing and color work.
HDR to EXR
Convert Radiance HDR environment maps to OpenEXR for software that prefers EXR format. Preserves full dynamic range for 3D lighting.
PNG to EXR
Convert plate photography or textures to EXR for integration into EXR-based pipelines. Note that standard PNGs won't have true high dynamic range.
EXR Technical Specifications
- Full name: OpenEXR
- Developer: Industrial Light & Magic (2003)
- File extension: .exr
- MIME type: image/x-exr
- Bit depth: 16-bit half-float or 32-bit float
- Compression: None, RLE, ZIP, PIZ, PXR24, B44, DWAA, DWAB
- Layers: Multiple layers and arbitrary channels supported
- Metadata: Extensive metadata and custom attributes
- License: Open source (BSD license)
EXR in Professional Workflows
Software That Uses EXR
- Foundry Nuke (primary compositing format)
- Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max
- Blender
- SideFX Houdini
- Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve and Fusion
- Adobe After Effects and Photoshop
- Arnold, V-Ray, Redshift renderers
Why VFX Uses EXR
- Lossless quality - No generation loss when reading/writing
- Floating-point precision - Accurate math for compositing
- Multi-channel support - Beauty passes, AOVs, depth, all in one file
- Industry standardization - Universal pipeline compatibility
How to Convert EXR Files
- Upload your EXR file - We handle all EXR compression types and multi-layer files. The primary beauty pass is used for conversion.
- Choose your output format - PNG/JPG for sharing and review, TIFF for print, HDR for 3D lighting.
- Download your converted file - Tone mapping is applied automatically for standard formats. For HDR outputs, full dynamic range is preserved.
View and share your VFX renders without needing Nuke or other professional software.
EXR Multi-Layer and AOV Support
EXR's power comes from storing multiple render passes in one file:
- Beauty/RGBA - The main rendered image
- Depth - Z-depth for depth of field and fog effects
- Motion Vectors - For motion blur in compositing
- Cryptomatte - Object/material mattes for selection
- Light Groups - Per-light contribution for relighting
- AOVs - Arbitrary Output Variables like specular, diffuse, SSS
When converting multi-layer EXR, the primary RGB/RGBA layer is used. For specific layer extraction, professional software like Nuke is recommended.