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How Do I Merge HDR in Photoshop?

Last updated on January 26, 2023 @ 4:58 am

High Dynamic Range images are becoming more and more popular, as they offer a wider range of tonal values than traditional images. Many digital cameras now have the ability to shoot HDR images, and there are even some dedicated HDR cameras on the market. If you’re wondering how to merge HDR in Photoshop, here’s a quick guide.

There are a few different ways to merge HDR images in Photoshop, but the most common method is to use the ‘Merge to HDR Pro’ command. To do this, simply select the images you want to merge in the ‘File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro’ dialog box. Once you’ve selected your images, click ‘OK’ and Photoshop will do the rest.

If you want more control over the final image, you can also use the ‘HDR Toning’ command. This allows you to adjust the tonal values of each individual image before merging them together. To use this command, simply select the images you want to merge and then go to ‘Image > Adjustments > HDR Toning’.

Once you’ve adjusted the tonal values of each image, click ‘OK’ and Photoshop will merge them together. You can then save your final image as a .psd file or export it as a JPEG or TIFF.

PRO TIP: HDR (High Dynamic Range) images are often very large files that can slow down your computer and make Photoshop run slowly. If you are working with HDR images, it is best to use a dedicated HDR software like Photomatix or Aurora HDR.

How Do I Merge HDR in Photoshop?

There are many ways that one could go about merging High Dynamic Range photos in Adobe Photoshop; however, for simplicities sake we will only be discussing two methods today. The first method is by using “Merge to HDR Pro” command and the second method is by using “HDR Toning” command.

Method One: Merge to HDR Pro

This method is probably the quickest way to go about merging your photos into one High Dynamic Range photo. All that is needed is for your photos to be in RAW format (.CR2,.NEF,.ORF,.ARW,.SR2,.RW2), then select all of those photos that you want merged into one photo. After selecting all those photos go up top to File, scroll down until you see Automate, hover over it with your mouse then click on Merge to HDR Pro.

A pop up menu should appear asking which files do you want included in this process, make sure all of your selected photos are checked off and hit OK.

Another pop up menu will appear asking what kind of options would you like for this process; it is recommended that you leave everything at its default setting unless you know what each option does (which will not be discussed in this article).

After making sure that everything is how you want it click on OK.

Method Two: HDR Toning

This method gives users more control over each individual photo before merging them into one photo; however, it may take some practice before getting desired results.

Begin by opening all of the photos that are going to be merged into one photo inside of Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 (or whichever version you are using). Next, create duplicate layers for each photo by going up top and clicking on Layer > New > Layer from Copied. You should now have two layers for each photo with one being the original layer and other being duplicate layer.

After creating duplicate layers, go up top and click on Window > Workspace > Reset Workspace. Doing so will bring back all default panels inside Adobe Photoshop; if any panels were moved around or closed they should now be back in their original state.

Dale Leydon

Dale Leydon

Sysadmin turned Javascript developer. Owner of 20+ apps graveyard, and a couple of successful ones.