Overview

ColorForge combines RAW editing and HDR merging in a browser. It supports CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF, ORF and RW2, a useful spread for photographers handling files from different camera systems. Exposure controls, tone curves, HSL adjustments, LUTs and presets extend it beyond a basic bracket merger, while keeping its focus on RAW development and HDR rather than a wider photo-editing toolkit.

The maker says photos are processed on the device and never uploaded to its servers. Editing, RAW decoding, HDR merging and export are available without an account. Preset storage is the trade-off: signed-in users save settings to an account database, while signed-out users rely on local browser storage.

Key features

RAW and HDR workflow

GPU processing merges multiple bracketed exposures, including RAW brackets. Support for both HDR merge modes and multiple tone-mapping controls gives photographers options for shaping the result. That makes ColorForge a good fit for bracket-based HDR work; readers seeking tools beyond the stated RAW and HDR editing controls should look elsewhere.

Export and offline use

The RAW editor exports at full native sensor resolution to JPEG, PNG or TIFF without watermarks. HDR exports include JPEG, PNG and 16-bit TIFF, making the higher-bit-depth option useful when that format suits the intended workflow. The maker says editing can continue offline once the web app has loaded into the browser cache, but that does not remove the initial browser requirement.

Pricing

The Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free. It requires no account, adds no watermarks and needs no installation; the core editing, RAW decoding, HDR merging and export features are also account-free. That is a straightforward fit for individual photographers who want to work without a subscription or signup. No free trial is offered, and no seat or usage quota is stated.

The main compromise is preset persistence rather than a paid feature tier: signed-out settings stay in local browser storage, while an account saves them to an account database. Google sign-in is required to submit a feedback ticket or feature idea, though not to edit or export.

Platforms

ColorForge is a web app, with the maker naming Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari as supported modern browsers. The editor is also described as working on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS, and the platform list includes iOS and Android. This breadth favors users who want browser access across desktop and mobile, but the browser-based workflow is not a substitute for a separately installed desktop application.

Who it's for

Choose ColorForge if you want to develop supported camera RAW files, merge exposure brackets and export full-resolution results without watermarks or an account. Its local-processing approach is also appealing to photographers who want images to remain on their device. It is a weaker fit if your priority is a broad photo-editing suite or account-backed preset storage without signing in.

Pros and cons

Pros: No-cost editing, no installation and no account requirement keep the barrier to trying RAW and HDR workflows low.
Pros: Support for eight named RAW formats, RAW bracket merging and 16-bit TIFF HDR export covers a substantial HDR workflow.
Pros: The maker says photos stay on-device, and cached access can continue offline after the app loads.
Cons: Signed-out presets use local browser storage rather than an account database, so preset persistence is tied to the browser.
Cons: Its stated controls center on RAW and HDR editing, so it is not the choice for readers seeking a broader photo suite.

Alternatives

Browse HDR software for more options in the category. Choose PhotomatixCL if its paid plans, Linux, macOS and Windows support, free plan and free trial better suit your needs. SNS-HDR is another freemium option with a free trial for macOS and Windows. Instant Meshes is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows. MergeHDR offers an iOS and macOS option with a free trial and a free tier limited to the first 10 exports, up to five per day. Photomatix Pro may suit readers considering a paid product with a free trial and broad platform coverage. easyHDR offers free trials and HOME and COMMERCIAL license plans with custom pricing. Luminance HDR is a free, open-source desktop HDR option for Linux, macOS and Windows. ON1 Portrait AI is a paid, trial-available option for macOS and Windows.

Verdict

ColorForge is the right choice for photographers who want free, account-free RAW development and bracketed HDR merging in a browser, with local processing and full-resolution exports. Look elsewhere for a broader editing suite or a workflow that does not depend on browser-based preset storage.

	ColorForge	HDR-Merge
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	$27/mo
Platforms	Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows	Web
Free plan	Yes	No
HDR merge mode	both	bracketed
Tone mapping controls	multiple
RAW file support	Yes	Yes
HDR output formats	JPEG, PNG, 16-bit TIFF
Supported platforms	web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	web
Batch processing		Yes
Maximum input images		9 images

ColorForge vs HDR-Merge

ColorForge

HDR-Merge