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HDRMerge

Free#10 of 20 in HDR Software

HDRMerge: A free, open-source tool for merging bracketed RAW exposures into floating-point DNG. Ranked #10 of 20 in HDR Software by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free RAW-to-DNG HDR merging.

6.6/10Editor score
Visit HDRMerge
HDRMerge6.6 Visit HDRMerge

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.6 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Free RAW-to-DNG HDR merging
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • HDR merge mode
    Both
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
HDRMerge screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Graphical ghost-removal masks and automatic small-translation alignment
    • Command-line batch processing with 16-, 24-, and 32-bit output

  • Where it doesn't

    • Output is centered on DNG 1.4
    • Automatic alignment handles small image translations
    • Best suited to users with a compatible RAW or HDR editor

Our verdict on HDRMerge

HDRMerge is desktop software for photographers who want to combine multiple camera RAW exposures into one high-dynamic-range RAW image. It merges exposure-bracketed RAW files, supports certain single RAW files containing multiple bracketed frames, and imports RAW formats supported by LibRaw. The result is a floating-point DNG 1.4 file for continued processing in a compatible RAW or HDR editor. Windows, macOS, and Linux support make it suitable for photographers working across major desktop platforms.

Its strongest focus is the merge workflow itself. HDRMerge can automatically align small image translations and provides graphical merge-mask editing for removing ghost artifacts. That combination gives photographers control when moving subjects or scene changes create unwanted areas during compositing. Output sample options include 16-, 24-, and 32-bit data, while command-line batch processing supports repeatable workflows for larger sets of bracketed exposures.

HDRMerge is a focused choice for photographers who want a free, open-source RAW-to-DNG stage before tone and color work in another compatible application. Its workflow is narrower than tools built around broader output formats or more extensive HDR editing, and automatic alignment is limited to small image translations. Choose HDRMerge when preserving RAW flexibility and controlling merge masks matter most; choose another tool when you want the merge, tone-mapping, and final HDR output workflow in one broader application.

HDRMerge pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on jcelaya.github.io

HDRMerge fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
HDR merge modeBoth
Tone mapping controlsNot verified
Batch processingYes
RAW file supportYes
HDR output formatsDNG 1.4
Supported platformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Maximum input imagesNot verified
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websitejcelaya.github.io
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to HDRMerge

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — HDRMerge 6.6/10

HDRMerge is listed in our HDR Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Guides on HDR software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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