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HDR Converter - Convert High Dynamic Range Images

Convert HDR high dynamic range images to standard formats. View HDR photos on any device.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format

Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format

Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

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What is HDR?

HDR (High Dynamic Range) refers to images that capture a wider range of brightness levels than standard photos. While regular images store 8 bits per color channel (256 levels), HDR images use 16 or 32 bits, capturing everything from deep shadows to bright highlights in a single file.

The term HDR is used in two contexts: photography HDR (combining multiple exposures of the same scene) and HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) used for lighting 3D scenes. Both store extended brightness data but serve different purposes.

HDR files require specialized software to view and edit properly. Converting to standard formats like JPG or PNG applies tone mapping to make the image viewable on regular displays.

Why Convert HDR Files?

HDR files present several challenges for everyday use:

Limited software support - Most image viewers can't display HDR files correctly. Colors appear washed out or the file won't open at all
Can't share easily - Social media, email, and messaging apps don't support HDR image formats
Large file sizes - 32-bit HDR files are significantly larger than standard images
Cross-software compatibility - Different 3D software may require different HDR formats (EXR, HDR, TIFF)
Web incompatibility - Browsers don't display .hdr files natively
Print preparation - Print workflows require converted, tone-mapped images

Converting HDR to JPG or PNG creates a viewable version while preserving the visual impact of the high dynamic range.

Convert HDR to Other Formats

Choose based on your end use:

HDR to JPG

Applies tone mapping to create a standard viewable image. Best for sharing, web use, and social media. The extended dynamic range is compressed to fit standard displays while preserving visual impact.

HDR to PNG

Similar to JPG but with lossless compression and transparency support. Better for graphics and images that need precise edges or will be edited further.

HDR to EXR

OpenEXR is the industry standard for visual effects and 3D rendering. If your 3D software prefers EXR over .hdr format, this conversion maintains all dynamic range data.

HDR to TIFF

TIFF can store HDR data in 16 or 32-bit mode while being more widely compatible than raw .hdr files. Good for photography workflows and print preparation.

HDR to BMP

Creates a standard bitmap image. Use when maximum compatibility is needed with legacy software that doesn't handle modern formats.

Convert Other Formats to HDR

Creating HDR files from other sources:

EXR to HDR

Convert OpenEXR files to Radiance HDR format for software that specifically requires .hdr files. Common when sharing HDRI environment maps between different 3D applications.

TIFF to HDR

If you have 16-bit or 32-bit TIFF files from photography, converting to HDR format makes them compatible with 3D rendering software for use as environment lighting.

Multiple JPGs to HDR

Traditional HDR creation involves merging multiple exposures. Some converters can combine bracketed photos into a single HDR file.

HDR Technical Specifications

Full name: High Dynamic Range / Radiance HDR (RGBE)
Developer: Greg Ward (Radiance HDR, 1985)
File extension: .hdr, .hdri, .pic
MIME type: image/vnd.radiance
Bit depth: 32-bit floating point
Dynamic range: Unlimited (stores actual luminance values)
Compression: Run-length encoding (RLE)
Primary use: 3D environment lighting, photography

HDR vs HDRI Formats

Common HDR/HDRI Formats

Radiance HDR (.hdr) - The original HDR format, widely supported in 3D software
OpenEXR (.exr) - Industry standard for VFX, supports layers and multiple channels
TIFF 16/32-bit - Photography-focused, good software compatibility
PFM (.pfm) - Portable Float Map, simple floating-point format

Use Cases by Format

Photography HDR: TIFF 16-bit or EXR for editing, JPG for final output
3D Environment Maps: Radiance HDR or EXR, usually as equirectangular panoramas
VFX Compositing: OpenEXR for its layer and channel support

How to Convert HDR Files

Upload your HDR file - Support for .hdr, .exr, and other high dynamic range formats.
Choose your output format - JPG/PNG for viewing and sharing, EXR for 3D workflows, TIFF for photography editing.
Download your converted file - Tone mapping is applied automatically for standard formats, or full dynamic range is preserved for HDR-to-HDR conversions.

No specialized software needed-conversion works directly in your browser.

HDRI for 3D Rendering

HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) environment maps are essential for realistic 3D lighting:

Image-Based Lighting (IBL) - HDRI panoramas provide realistic lighting and reflections in 3D scenes
360° Environment Maps - Usually equirectangular projection capturing entire surroundings
Lighting Reference - The extended dynamic range captures real-world light intensity for accurate rendering

Common 3D software like Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, and 3ds Max all support HDR environment maps, though they may prefer different formats.

Pro Tip

For 3D environment lighting, resolution matters less than dynamic range. A 4K HDRI with genuine high dynamic range produces better lighting than an 8K LDR image stretched to look like HDR. Prioritize authentic HDR capture.

Common Mistake

Applying heavy tone mapping when converting HDR to JPG, creating an over-processed 'HDR look.' Use subtle settings to preserve natural appearance while still fitting the standard dynamic range.

Best For

Photography where you need to capture extreme contrast (interiors with bright windows, sunset landscapes), and 3D rendering where realistic lighting from environment maps produces photorealistic results.

Not Recommended

Everyday sharing or web use. HDR files won't display in browsers or social media. Always convert to JPG/PNG for any distribution. Keep HDR files for editing and archival purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

HDR (High Dynamic Range) files store images with extended brightness information-from deep shadows to bright highlights-using 32-bit floating-point data instead of standard 8-bit. This captures far more detail than regular photos.

Standard image viewers don't support HDR formats. The files require specialized software like Photoshop, Lightroom, or 3D applications. Convert to JPG or PNG for universal viewing.

They're often used interchangeably. HDR refers to the image type (high dynamic range). HDRI specifically refers to HDR images used for lighting 3D scenes, typically as 360° panoramic environment maps.

The extended dynamic range data is compressed through tone mapping to fit standard display capabilities. You lose the ability to recover extreme highlights and shadows, but a well-converted JPG retains the visual impact.

OpenEXR (.exr) is the industry standard for professional VFX work. Radiance HDR (.hdr) is widely supported and simpler. Both preserve full dynamic range needed for realistic lighting.

True HDR requires capturing multiple exposures of the same scene. A single JPG can be processed to look like HDR (pseudo-HDR or tone mapping) but won't contain actual extended dynamic range data.

For 3D work: EXR or HDR depending on your software. For photography: 16-bit TIFF for editing, JPG for output. For sharing: Always JPG or PNG since HDR formats aren't viewable in browsers or social media.

HDR files store 32 bits per color channel instead of 8 bits. That's 4x the data per pixel, plus the files are often high resolution panoramas. A single HDRI environment map can be 50-200MB.

Yes. Photoshop supports HDR files and includes tone mapping tools (HDR Toning) for converting to standard images. It can also merge multiple exposures into HDR.

Sites like HDRI Haven (Poly Haven), HDRMaps, and various 3D asset marketplaces offer free and paid HDRI panoramas for 3D rendering. They typically come in .hdr or .exr format.

HDR Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.