Professional Grade. Completely Free.
Unlike basic mobile apps, Luminance HDR gives you granular control over every pixel. Leverage industry-standard algorithms without the monthly subscription fees.
Wide RAW Compatibility
Powered by the LibRAW library, Luminance HDR supports raw files from Canon (CR2, CR3), Nikon (NEF), Sony (ARW), and more. Don’t compromise your sensor’s dynamic range by converting to JPEG first.
- • 16-bit and 32-bit Float Processing
- • Import LogLuv TIFF & OpenEXR
9+ Tone Mapping Operators
Every scene is different. Choose from a library of scientific algorithms to get the exact look you want—from photorealistic to artistic.
- • Mantiuk ’06 & ’08: Great for contrast and detail.
- • Fattal: Excellent for dramatic, painterly effects.
- • Drago & Reinhard: Best for natural, realistic results.
Cross-Platform Workflow
Whether you are on Windows 11, macOS, or running a Linux distro like Ubuntu or Fedora, Luminance HDR provides a consistent experience.
- • Native Qt5 graphical interface
- • Batch Processing (HDR & Tone Mapping)
- • Copy EXIF data automatically
One Tool. Infinite Styles.
Whether you need realistic interior shots for real estate listings or dramatic artistic landscapes, Luminance HDR’s versatile engine adapts to your creative vision.
“The results rival paid software like Photomatix or Aurora HDR.”
Learn how to achieve these looks →From Bracketing to Masterpiece
Luminance HDR simplifies the complex process of merging photos. Here is how you can create your first HDR image in 3 steps:
Load & Align
Import your bracketed RAW or JPEG files. Use the built-in Hugin’s align_image_stack tool to correct handheld movement automatically.
Merge & Anti-Ghosting
Create the 32-bit HDR file. Enable the new Anti-ghosting feature to remove moving objects (like cars or pedestrians) from your scene.
Tone Map & Blending
Apply operators like Mantiuk ’06 for detail. For pro results, export multiple versions and blend them in GIMP/Photoshop using our Layer Blending Guide.
Is Luminance HDR right for you?
| Feature | Luminance HDR | Paid AI Tools* |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (Open Source) | $99 – $200+ |
| Control | Manual (Granular) | Automated (AI) |
| Learning Curve | Steep (Pro) | Easy (Beginner) |
| Best For | Linux Users, Tech Enthusiasts | Speed & Convenience |
*Paid tools refer to software like Lightroom or Luminar Neo.
See detailed comparison
Under the Hood:
The Science of Tone Mapping
Luminance HDR isn’t just a filter app. It is a scientific implementation of 9+ industry-standard Tone Mapping Operators (TMO). Each operator uses a different mathematical approach to compress dynamic range.
Mantiuk ’06 & ’08
Developed by Rafal Mantiuk, these operators are the gold standard for preserving local contrast.
- • Mantiuk ’06: Focuses on enhancing micro-contrast. It makes textures (brick, stone, skin) pop but can introduce noise if pushed too hard.
- • Mantiuk ’08: A “Display Adaptive” operator. It optimizes the image specifically for the contrast ratio of your screen, resulting in a cleaner, sharper look.
Fattal
Based on gradient domain manipulation, the Fattal operator is famous for creating the classic, dramatic “HDR Look.”
- • Best For: Stormy skies, gritty urban exploration (Urbex), and artistic landscapes.
- • Key Setting: Adjust the Alpha and Beta sliders carefully to avoid the “halo” effect around buildings and trees.
Drago
The Drago Logarithmic operator mimics the human eye’s response to light. It compresses dynamic range without distorting colors or contrast.
- • Why use it: If you want your photo to look “natural” (like what you saw on location), Drago is the safest starting point.
Reinhard ’05
Inspired by traditional darkroom techniques (dodging and burning), Reinhard offers smooth transitions and reliable color handling.
- • Pro Tip: Use Reinhard for portraits or scenes where maintaining natural skin tones is crucial.
Want to master these algorithms? Read our deep dive guide on How to Blend Mantiuk and Fattal for Perfect HDR.
Technical Specifications
Built on the robust LibRAW and Qt5 engines, Luminance HDR supports virtually any camera and operating system.
Native RAW Support
Thanks to LibRAW integration, you can import RAW files directly without converting to TIFF first. Supported formats include:
*Plus hundreds of other models supported by the latest LibRAW library.
Supported Formats
| HDR Input/Output |
OpenEXR (.exr) Radiance RGBE (.hdr) TIFF (16-bit, 32-bit Float) PFS Native (.pfs) |
| LDR Output |
JPEG (High Quality) PNG (Lossless) TIFF (8-bit / 16-bit) PPM, PBM |
System Requirements
- Windows Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit recommended)
- macOS macOS 10.13+ (Intel & Apple Silicon via Rosetta)
- Linux Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, OpenSUSE (Qt5 required)
-
Hardware
Dual-core CPU (SSE2 supported)
4GB RAM (8GB+ recommended for large RAW files)
A Time-Tested Imaging Tool
A classic Linux photography tool
Mature & production ready
Always Free, No Ads
“While many modern tools have shifted to subscription models, Luminance HDR remains a robust, standalone utility for photographers who need precise manual control.”
Professional HDR on Your Phone
Most smartphones use automated algorithms that produce “fake” HDR looks. Take control back. Use apps like Open Camera (Android) to shoot exposure brackets, then process them on your desktop with Luminance HDR for true 32-bit depth.
-
✓
Bypass AI Processing: Avoid the “oil painting” effect common in Samsung/iPhone stock cameras.
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✓
Shoot RAW/DNG: Import mobile DNG files directly into Luminance HDR for maximum detail recovery.
-
✓
Fix Travel Photos: Perfectly expose blown-out skies and dark foregrounds in your vacation shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about installation, compatibility, and features.
Is Luminance HDR completely free?
Yes. Luminance HDR is open-source software licensed under the GPLv2 license. You can download, use, and even modify it for free for both personal and commercial photography projects. There are no watermarks or hidden subscriptions.
What is the difference between Luminance HDR and Qtpfsgui?
They are the same software. The project was originally named Qtpfsgui but was rebranded to “Luminance HDR” to be more user-friendly. You may still see references to “qtpfsgui” in the source code or Linux package repositories (e.g., SourceForge), but “Luminance HDR” is the modern name.
Does it support Windows 10 and 11?
Yes, it is fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit). It also runs natively on macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon via Rosetta) and major Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux.
Why do my HDR images look “washed out” or have halos?
This usually happens during the Tone Mapping phase. Some operators like Mantiuk ’06 can produce halos if the “Contrast Factor” is set too high. We recommend reading our Optimization Guide to learn how to blend multiple operators for a natural look.
Can I batch process multiple HDR images?
Yes. Luminance HDR includes a powerful Batch HDR and Batch Tone Mapping tool. You can apply the same settings to hundreds of bracketed photos automatically, which is a massive time-saver for timelapse photographers.
Ready to start creating?
Download Luminance HDR