How to convert JPEG to HDR
To convert JPEG to HDR, upload your JPEG file, choose HDR as the output format and press Convert. The finished HDR file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter changes JPEG images into HDR files in seconds, with no software to install and no watermark. You can convert several files at once, resize them and choose the quality for formats that support it. Metadata such as location tags is removed from the output for privacy.
Why convert JPEG to HDR?
- High dynamic range in a compact encoding
- Standard for environment maps
- Simple format
- Works with: Blender, Photoshop, Unity, Unreal and Radiance tools
What to expect from this conversion
- JPEG is lossy and HDR is not, so the file will usually get larger. Converting cannot bring back detail that JPEG compression already removed.
- HDR stores light in linear floating-point values, so your pixels are converted from sRGB to linear. The result looks the same in an HDR-aware viewer but does not gain real dynamic range.
- Browsers do not display HDR files, so use it in editors, print workflows or development tools rather than on a web page.
JPEG vs HDR
| Property | JPEG | HDR |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Radiance RGBE |
| Released | 1992, JPEG committee | 1989, Greg Ward (Radiance) |
| Compression | Lossy | None (uncompressed) |
| Transparency | No | No |
| Animation | No | No |
| Bit depth | 8-bit | 32-bit shared exponent |
| Shown in browsers | Yes | No |
| Best for | systems that require the .jpeg extension; photographs | 3D lighting and HDRI skies; image-based lighting |
Steps to convert JPEG to HDR
- Drop your JPEG image file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that HDR is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new HDR file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Use quality 80 to 90 for photos: it is visually close to the original at a much smaller size.
- Set a width if the image will be shown on a small screen, which also reduces the file size.
- Choose a background colour before converting transparent images to a format without transparency.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert JPEG to HDR?
Drop your JPEG files on the converter, confirm that HDR is the target and press Convert. Download each file or the whole batch as a ZIP.
Is the JPEG to HDR converter free?
Yes. It is free with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many images you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Does converting JPEG to HDR reduce quality?
JPEG is lossy and HDR is not, so the file will usually get larger. Converting cannot bring back detail that JPEG compression already removed. The quality slider only affects formats that use lossy compression.
Will transparency be kept when I convert JPEG to HDR?
JPEG images do not contain transparency, so there is nothing to lose. HDR does not support it either.
Which programs open HDR files?
HDR files open in Blender, Photoshop, Unity, Unreal and Radiance tools.
How many images can I convert at once?
Up to 20 images per batch, each up to 60 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.