JPG to HDR

Upload a JPG file and download it as HDR. Free to start.

Drop files here, or press Enter to choose them. Up to 50 MB per file.
Drop a JPG file hereFree · up to 50 MB · 10 operations in total without an account · or paste with Ctrl+V
  • Sent over HTTPS · link expires in 24 h

How it works

  1. Step 1:

    Drop the JPG file on the orange block above, or press “Choose JPG”.

  2. Step 2:

    Press “Convert to HDR”. The block shows the progress while the server converts the file.

  3. Step 3:

    Press “Download” to save the HDR file. On Free the link works for 24 hours.

How JPG to HDR conversion works

JPG is an image format: it uses lossy DCT compression that permanently discards fine pixel detail to achieve small file sizes, ideal for photographs. HDR is a document format that stores data in the HDR format. This embeds the raster image inside a document container, fixing its dimensions on the page. Metadata such as creation date is preserved where the target format supports it; features the target format cannot represent are dropped. Converting between these two formats is common when the source application does not support HDR natively or when the target platform only accepts HDR. 1converter processes this conversion server-side using open-source tools. Files are transferred over HTTPS, converted on secure cloud servers, and returned through a private download link that expires after 24 hours on Free.

Sources and specifications

Quality levels for JPG → HDR

LevelFile sizeSpeed
Low qualitySmallest file, basic qualityVery smallVery fast
Medium qualityRecommendedBalanced size and qualityMediumFast
High qualityLarger file, great qualityLargeModerate
Maximum qualityLargest file, best possible qualityVery largeSlow

Image Tip: For photos, Medium quality offers the best balance. For graphics with text or sharp edges, use High or Maximum quality to preserve clarity.

When to convert

What the HDR file is good for and why people convert to it.

  • Improves tone mapping for highlights from an existing JPG source
  • Preserves color information while expanding dynamic-range presentation
  • Preparing photos for HDR displays after capturing in standard JPG
  • Upgrading UI/thumbnail assets to look richer on HDR-capable devices

Where your file goes

  • It travels to our server over an encrypted HTTPS connection and is converted there.
  • The HDR file comes back as a private link. It stops working after 24 hours on Free and 7 days on paid plans, and then the files are deleted.
  • Want the file to stay on your device? Private Mode converts images right in the browser. Open Private Mode

Questions and answers

What people ask before converting JPG to HDR.

Ask supportAll questions
Does converting JPG to HDR create real HDR data that was missing in the JPEG?
JPEG stores limited dynamic range (typically 8-bit), so conversion can’t recover true sensor HDR. It generates HDR-capable output using tone mapping and reconstruction for better perceived contrast.
Will the HDR file be much larger than the original JPG?
Often yes: HDR formats usually store higher precision or different encoding than JPEG, so file size commonly increases compared to a compressed JPG.
Can I edit the converted HDR image like other HDR formats?
Yes, HDR outputs are designed for HDR-aware editors and viewers. However, editing tools may vary in how they interpret tone mapping and metadata.
What compatibility should I expect after converting JPG to HDR?
The HDR result will work best in HDR-capable software/hardware. Regular JPEG viewers won’t display HDR properly, and some apps may tone-map it differently.

More about this pair

Many files at once? Starter converts 5 at a time, 100 a day.

See plans