HDRMerge

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Score6.9

Rank#4 of 20

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

HDRMerge creates raw images with extended dynamic range by combining exposure-bracketed raw files or multiple bracketed frames within one raw file. It outputs DNG 1.4 images containing floating-point data, using less noisy input pixels to retain shadow detail. Its graphical interface lets users adjust the merge mask to address ghosting from objects that moved between exposures, and its command-line interface can process raw image sets in batches. The software can align small translations and crop output to the area shared by the input images. Inputs need matching dimensions, orientation, Bayer pattern, and black and white levels; the manual says this generally means files made with the same camera. Tone mapping can be done later in another program that supports high-dynamic-range raw DNG images. The maker says RawTherapee, darktable, and recent Adobe products support the output format. HDRMerge is free software under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or later, and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Who it is for

HDRMerge suits photographers who want to merge bracketed raw exposures and continue editing the result in a raw-development workflow. It may also fit users who need batch processing or mask adjustments for moving subjects.

What is good

Merges separate raw files or frames in one file.
Outputs floating-point DNG 1.4 images.
Graphical interface allows merge-mask editing.
Command-line interface supports batch processing.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What to know first

Inputs require matching size and orientation.
Inputs require matching Bayer pattern and black and white levels.
Tone mapping requires another compatible program.

Verdict

HDRMerge focuses on raw exposure merging, with mask editing and batch processing available for different workflows. Check input compatibility before combining files.

HDRMerge plans and pricing

All plans

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

Compared on HDR software

Free plan: Yesjcelaya.github.io
HDR merge mode: bothjcelaya.github.io
Batch processing: Yesjcelaya.github.io
RAW file support: Yesjcelaya.github.io
HDR output formats: DNG 1.4jcelaya.github.io
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linuxjcelaya.github.io

Facts

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.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
Output: It outputs DNG 1.4 images with floating-point data, using less noisy input pixels to preserve shadow detail.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
Ghost removal: Its graphical interface lets users edit the merge mask to remove ghosts caused by moving objects between exposures.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
Alignment and cropping: HDRMerge can align small translations and crop output to the area shared by the input raw images.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
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.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
Integrations: The maker says RawTherapee, darktable, and recent Adobe products support the floating-point DNG formats HDRMerge produces.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
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.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
Platforms: The downloads section lists a Windows installer and macOS DMG for the stable release, and a Linux AppImage for development builds.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
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.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
License: HDRMerge is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or any later version.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026
Intended workflow: The maker describes HDRMerge as a way to bring merged HDR images into a normal raw development workflow.jcelaya.github.io · 2 Oct 2026