easyHDR

What easyHDR is

easyHDR is image-processing software for building and tone-mapping HDR images from sequences of photos. It also handles a single photo with its LDR enhancement feature. Its listed methods include True HDR merging, Smart Merge, and image stacking. Editing tools include automatic and manual ghost removal, image alignment, layers, presets, lens correction, and 3D LUT color grading. It imports formats such as JPEG, HEIF/HEIC, AVIF, TIFF, PNG, FITS, OpenEXR, Radiance RGBE, and RAW files through LibRAW. HDR outputs include OpenEXR, Radiance RGBE, and 32-bit TIFF.

The software supports batch processing and command-line options for batch scripts, and installs an Adobe Lightroom plug-in with the application. Current demo builds are listed for Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 11.5 or later; the Windows version can run under Wine on Linux. The demo places watermarks on output photos and disables saving in TIFF and JP2 formats. A separate freeware BASIC 2.13.3 edition is available for Windows, but it is an older, reduced version without layers, batch processing, or the Lightroom plug-in. easyHDR 3 licenses are perpetual, include free updates, and can be used on multiple computers belonging to the registered user. HOME licenses cover non-profit use, while COMMERCIAL licenses cover commercial use. Prices for the listed license plans are not provided.

Who it suits

easyHDR suits photographers who want to merge photo sequences into HDR images or enhance a single photo, with options for RAW files and batch work. It may also suit Lightroom users who want the included plug-in, provided their system is supported directly or can run the Windows version through Wine.

Limits

The demo watermarks output photos and disables TIFF and JP2 saving. The free BASIC 2.13.3 edition omits layers, batch processing, and the Lightroom plug-in.

Getting started

1. Visit the easyHDR website.
2. Choose a HOME license for non-profit use or a COMMERCIAL license for commercial use.
3. Install the application on Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 11.5 or later.
4. For Linux, run the Windows version under Wine.
5. Import a photo sequence or use LDR enhancement on a single photo.
6. Use the installed Lightroom plug-in if you work with Adobe Lightroom.

Verdict

Choose easyHDR if you need HDR merging and tone mapping with RAW support, batch processing, or single-photo enhancement. Check the demo restrictions against your output needs, and compare HOME and COMMERCIAL licensing to your intended use before choosing a license.