MergeHDR

MergeHDR is a focused HDR-merging companion for Apple Photos. It suits photographers with bracketed stills on iPhone, iPad, or Mac who want local processing and manual control over the merge. The free allowance is useful for trying the workflow, but regular exporting requires a subscription or one-time purchase.

Overview

MergeHDR scans a photo library for three-, five-, and seven-frame exposure brackets, using metadata such as capture time and exposure values. It presents detected sets for approval before combining them, so an incorrect grouping does not automatically alter your library. Seven source images is the maximum input for one merge.

The workflow is built around Apple Photos: the app reads source images and writes results through the library. Its App Store listing also describes an FTP connection for merging brackets directly from a camera. Supported files span Canon CR3, Sony ARW, Nikon NEF, Fujifilm RAF, Olympus ORF, Panasonic RW2, DNG, Apple ProRAW, HEIC, and JPEG, making it practical for varied camera collections.

Key features

Detection and merge controls

Metadata-based detection handles common three-, five-, and seven-shot brackets, while approval remains with the user. Alignment can be selected, and four deghosting levels provide different ways to address moving subjects or small camera shifts. These controls are valuable when a single automatic setting would leave ghosts, although they do not guarantee a clean result for every sequence.

Tone mapping and export

Tone-mapping presets can be switched without merging the bracket again, making it quicker to compare different looks. Finished images can be saved at full quality or compressed to HEIC through the same on-device pipeline used by RAWtoHEIC. HDR output supports HEIC and DNG.

Privacy and file safety

Detection and processing run locally, work fully offline, and require no account. The maker says there are no analytics or uploads, and the App Store privacy label is Data Not Collected. Originals are retained by default; if you choose removal, Photos places them in Recently Deleted for 30 days. Support accepts sample brackets and camera details when troubleshooting a merge or considering another RAW format.

Pricing

The Free plan is enough to inspect detection and preview results, and to make a small number of finished exports. Its ten-export allowance and five-per-day ceiling make it unsuitable for an active photo backlog. Yearly is the lower upfront commitment for occasional users, but it auto-renews. Lifetime costs more at purchase and is the clearer fit for photographers who expect to keep merging over multiple years. Both paid plans cover Apple devices under one purchase and support family sharing.

Platforms

MergeHDR runs on iOS and iPadOS 18, and on macOS 15 or later. It is therefore a good match for current Apple hardware, but not for Windows, Linux, Android, or older Apple operating systems. Offline processing is useful when travelling or working without reliable internet.

Who it's for

Choose MergeHDR if your images already live in Apple Photos and you regularly shoot exposure brackets in supported RAW or standard formats. It is especially suitable when privacy, offline operation, and adjustable deghosting matter more than a broad editing suite. It is a weaker choice for users on non-Apple platforms, photographers seeking extensive manual HDR retouching, or anyone whose workload exceeds the free export cap without wanting a paid plan.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Local, offline workflow: Photos stay on the device, with no account, analytics, or uploads.
• Useful bracket controls: Approval, selectable alignment, four deghosting levels, and reusable tone-mapping presets give more control than a one-click merge.
• Broad format coverage: Major camera RAW families, DNG, ProRAW, HEIC, and JPEG are supported.
• Apple-wide purchase: Yearly and Lifetime plans work across iPhone, iPad, and Mac and include Family Sharing.

Cons

• Apple-only reach: There is no Windows, Linux, or Android version.
• Bracket-focused scope: It merges up to seven exposures rather than serving as a general HDR editor.
• Free export ceiling: Only the first ten exports are free, with a five-per-day limit.
• Yearly renewal: The annual plan renews automatically unless cancelled.

Alternatives

ColorForge is the better pick if you need a free tool across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, the web, and Windows, with no account, watermarks, or installation.

HDRMerge suits users wanting free GPL-licensed software on Linux, macOS, or Windows instead of an Apple Photos workflow.

Instant Meshes is a free cross-platform option when you want software with no stated price or usage limits.

Luminance HDR is preferable for free, open-source desktop HDR imaging on Linux, macOS, or Windows.

PhotomatixCL fits users who need a paid Linux, macOS, or Windows product with credit-based monthly plans and a trial.

SNS-HDR is an alternative for macOS and Windows users seeking a freemium HDR application with a trial.

easyHDR is worth considering for a desktop, single-user or commercial license with lifetime terms on Windows and macOS.

HDR Merge Master is a free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Browse more options in HDR Software.

Verdict

MergeHDR is a strong choice for Apple photographers who want bracket detection, adjustable deghosting and tone mapping, and private offline processing inside Apple Photos. Pick the Lifetime plan for sustained use, or test the workflow with the free export allowance first. Look elsewhere if you need Windows, Linux, or Android support, a larger HDR editing environment, or unlimited free exports.