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HDRMerge

jcelaya.github.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.7 #11 of 21 in HDR Software

What it is

HDRMerge combines exposure-bracketed raw files, or bracketed frames within one raw file, to create raw images with extended dynamic range. It outputs DNG 1.4 images with floating-point data, drawing on less noisy input pixels to retain shadow detail. In its graphical interface, users can adjust the merge mask to address ghosts from objects that moved between exposures. The command-line interface supports batch processing of raw image sets. HDRMerge can align small translations and crop the output to the area shared by the inputs. Input images must match in size, orientation, Bayer pattern, and black and white levels; the manual says this usually means using images made with the same camera. Tone mapping can happen later in another program that supports high-dynamic-range raw DNG images. The maker identifies RawTherapee, darktable, and recent Adobe products as supporting the floating-point DNG output. HDRMerge is free software under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or later, and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The maker describes it as a way to bring merged HDR images into a standard raw development workflow.

Spec sheet

Purpose
HDRMerge creates raw images with extended dynamic range by merging exposure-bracketed raw files or multiple exposure-bracketed frames in a single raw file.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Platforms
The downloads section lists a Windows installer and macOS DMG for the stable release, and a Linux AppImage for development builds.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Integrations
The maker says RawTherapee, darktable, and recent Adobe products support the floating-point DNG formats HDRMerge produces.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Support
The maker directs users to GitHub to file bugs and feature requests and asks them to include the HDRMerge version, full error messages, and a link to sample raw files.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
License
HDRMerge is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or any later version.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Alignment and cropping
HDRMerge can align small translations and crop output to the area shared by the input raw images.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Batch processing
The command-line interface supports batch processing of raw image sets.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Ghost removal
Its graphical interface lets users edit the merge mask to remove ghosts caused by moving objects between exposures.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Input compatibility
Input images must have matching size, orientation, Bayer pattern, and black and white levels, which the manual says mostly means they were made with the same camera.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Intended workflow
The maker describes HDRMerge as a way to bring merged HDR images into a normal raw development workflow.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Output
It outputs DNG 1.4 images with floating-point data, using less noisy input pixels to preserve shadow detail.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io
Tone mapping
HDRMerge handles raw exposure merging; its maker says the resulting image can be tone-mapped later in another program that supports high-dynamic-range raw DNG images.Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io

Plans and prices

Free Free GPL-3.0-or-later software Read 2 Oct 2026 · jcelaya.github.io

Every HDRMerge plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Merges separate raw files or frames within one raw.
  • Outputs floating-point DNG 1.4.
  • Graphical mask editing addresses ghosting.
  • Command-line batch processing is supported.
  • Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Limits

  • Inputs must match size, orientation, Bayer pattern, and levels.
  • Tone mapping requires another compatible program.

Who it suits

HDRMerge suits photographers who want to merge bracketed raw exposures and continue editing the result in a raw workflow. Its input requirements make matching files important.

Verdict

HDRMerge creates floating-point DNG files from bracketed raw exposures, with mask editing and batch processing options. Make sure the inputs match its requirements and that your later editing program supports the output.

Where Specifiction places it

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