Luminance HDR

2.6.0 HDR editor for Windows

Sven Sorensen

Review: Powerful software that merges multiple images into a stunning high dynamic range photograph.

Free and open source HDR image creation software download, reviewed by Sven Sørensen
Compact app that helps users open, create, and edit HDR images, while allowing them to rotate, crop and resize the photos - Screenshot of Luminance HDR
User interface - Screenshot of Luminance HDR
Luminance HDR screenshot
Luminance HDR screenshot
Luminance HDR screenshot
Luminance HDR screenshot
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A free and open-source approach to high dynamic range imaging.

Luminance HDR is a photo editing tool which provides users with the ability to create HDR images from a variety of different RAW formats, most notably those created by Nikon, Canon and Sony cameras. Other brands are supported.

If you're unsure what HDR is, it stands for High Dynamic Range. This is a type of photography which usually stacks a series of images together to increase contrast. With Luminance HDR, this can be done as a digital process. Unfortunately, it lacks the sophistication of many commercial titles like Adobe Lightroom or DxO Optics Pro.

To create an HDR image with Luminance HDR, you are going to need a series of images, the more the better. Merge the images together and apply different types of tonemapping with a variety of options. Each filter included with Luminance HDR has several options to customize the output of the final image.

This program is freeware and a work-in-progress. We're hoping further development may make Luminance HDR a contender capable of taking on Adobe, at least when it comes to creating and optimizing HDR photography.

Features of Luminance HDR

  • Algorithms: Complete set of tone mapping operators.
  • Batch Processing: Automate multiple images.
  • Blending: Merge multiple exposures.
  • Color Management: Improve color accuracy.
  • Editing: Pre & post-tonemapping editing tools.
  • Export: Save in multiple image formats.
  • HDR Merging: Fusion of multiple exposures.
  • Histogram: Adjust the brightness levels.
  • Noise Reduction: Enhance the final image.
  • OpenEXR: Support for high-dynamic range images.
  • Presets: Select from multiple preset options.
  • RAW Support: Image from digital cameras.
  • Rotate & Flip: Change the orientation.
  • Tone Mapping: Produce photorealistic or expressive results.
  • White Balance: Adjust for precise color.

Compatibility and License

Luminance HDR is available for free and released under the open source GPLv2 license on Windows from graphics software. The license provides the options to freely download, install, run and share this program without any restrictions. The source code for Luminance HDR should be freely available and modifications are certainly permitted as well as the option to inspect the software.

Luminance HDR Team accepts donations for the continued development of this free software.


Filed under:
  1. Luminance HDR Download
  2. Free Graphics Software
  3. Open source and GPL software
  4. Luminance HDR 2.6
  5. HDR Image Creation Software
Luminance HDR has been picked by our editors as very good.
Luminance HDR has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested Luminance HDR 2.6.0 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.