Merge RAW exposures into HDR images with HDRMerge and consult its user manual.
Open source
24 alternativesHdrmerge
Combine two or more RAW exposure files into one RAW image with an extended dynamic range using HDRMerge.
About Hdrmerge
HDRMerge combines two or more raw exposure files into a single raw image with an extended dynamic range. It imports any raw format supported by LibRaw and writes a DNG 1.4 file with floating point data, building the output from the less noisy pixels of the inputs so shadows retain detail. Input images must be taken with the same camera, and small misalignments between frames are corrected by translation. The merged DNG is not a finished picture: it has to be processed further in an application that supports HDR images in DNG format, such as RawTherapee or darktable.
Key features
- Merges two or more raw exposures into one extended dynamic range raw
- Imports raw formats supported by LibRaw
- Outputs DNG 1.4 images with floating point data
- Corrects small misalignments between frames by translation
- GUI preview for adding or removing pixels to remove ghosts
- Batch mode using the -o or -a switches without the GUI
Best for: Photographers who capture bracketed raw exposures of the same scene and want a merged HDR raw file to continue editing in another application.
Good for
- Builds output from the less noisy pixels of the inputs to keep shadow detail
- Includes a preview interface with undo and redo for removing ghosting
- Can run in command-line batch mode without the graphical interface
Watch out for
- All source images must be made with the same camera
- Alignment correction is limited to small misalignments and works by translation
- The merged DNG still requires separate HDR-capable software for final processing
Hdrmerge at a glance
- Website
- github.com/jcelaya/hdrmerge
- Category
- Design & Creative › Photography
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Hdrmerge FAQ
What raw formats can HDRMerge read and write?
It imports any raw image supported by LibRaw and outputs a DNG 1.4 image with floating point data.
Do the input images have to come from the same camera?
Yes. The source states that the images must be made with the same camera, and that using a tripod is recommended for the best results.
Can HDRMerge be used without the graphical interface?
Yes. It can run in batch mode by providing an output file name with the -o switch, or by generating one automatically with the -a switch.
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