HDR Merge Master
HDR Merge Master: A focused open-source choice for automated, cross-platform bracketed HDR pipelines. Ranked #15 of 20 in HDR Software by our editors (6.1/10); pricing: Open source; best for open-source batch HDR pipelines.
At a glance
- Editor score6.1 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forOpen-source batch HDR pipelines
- Paid fromNone
- HDR merge modeBracketed
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Batch and recursive folder processing with metadata-based bracket grouping
- 32-bit OpenEXR and Radiance HDR output options
- Windows, macOS, and Linux support with headless processing
Where it doesn't
- Focused on bracketed HDR rather than broader image editing
- Alignment options are limited to None, Hugin, and MTB
- RAW workflows rely on integration with RawTherapee
Our verdict on HDR Merge Master
HDR Merge Master is an open-source desktop utility for photographers, 3D artists, and technical imaging workflows that need to turn exposure-bracketed images into HDR files in bulk. It uses Blender’s compositor, groups images through exposure metadata, and supports batch folders as well as recursive subfolder processing. Windows, macOS, and Linux support make it suitable for cross-platform workflows, while the GPL-3.0 license fits teams that prefer inspectable and modifiable software.
Its strongest area is pipeline automation. The application can process multiple input folders, group brackets from metadata, and run headlessly through the command line. Alignment modes include None, Hugin, and MTB, giving users options for different bracketed-image workflows. Outputs include 32-bit OpenEXR and Radiance HDR, with tonemapped JPEG previews available for quick viewing. Integrations with Blender, Hugin, Luminance HDR, RawTherapee, and PTGui extend its place in established HDR and 3D imaging pipelines, including a PTGui JPEG-to-HDR path replacement script.
HDR Merge Master is a good fit when repeatable batch conversion, open-source distribution, and format flexibility matter more than a broad creative workspace. Its focus is narrow: bracketed HDR merging rather than general image editing, and its alignment choices stay within the listed None, Hugin, and MTB modes. RAW workflows can use RawTherapee, while Blender’s compositor forms the processing foundation. Choose it for scripted, folder-based HDR production across major desktop operating systems; choose another tool if the priority is a wider editing environment or a different merging workflow.
HDR Merge Master pricing
HDR Merge Master fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| HDR merge mode | Bracketed |
| Tone mapping controls | Not verified |
| Batch processing | Yes |
| RAW file support | Yes |
| HDR output formats | 32-bit OpenEXR, Radiance HDR |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Maximum input images | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Blender, Luminance HDR, Hugin, RawTherapee, PTGui |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
HDR Merge Master integrations
HDR Merge Master lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Blender
- Luminance HDR
- Hugin
- RawTherapee
- PTGui
Alternatives to HDR Merge Master
- Luminance HDRA free, full-featured HDR toolkit for photographers on Windows, macOS, and Linux.9.0
- ColorForgeA free cross-platform HDR editor with strong RAW and bracket-fusion controls.8.6
- Photomatix ProA feature-rich desktop HDR editor for photographers who need advanced control.8.1
See all HDR Merge Master alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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