> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.skylum.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.skylum.com/extra-tools/hdr-merge.md).

# HDR Merge

Combine multiple exposures into one detailed HDR image using Luminar for Desktop’s HDR Merge tool. This guide walks you through every step.

{% @arcade/embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/GPadK19whdALP1GSN5Tk>" flowId="GPadK19whdALP1GSN5Tk" %}

Batch Processing is a powerful way to open, edit, and save many images at once, saving time and effort. The **HDR Merge Batch Processing** tool is ideal for working on single images as well as many sets of bracketed exposures. Luminar will automatically group brackets based on EXIF data stored in each image, including exposure settings, aperture settings, ISO levels, lens data, and time shot.

1. **Capture bracketed photos:** You’ll need to capture a series of bracketed photos with your camera, typically varying by exposure value (EV) increments (e.g., -2, 0, +2). Make sure to use a tripod to avoid misalignment between shots.
2. **Import your images:** Open Luminar for Desktop and import your bracketed photos into the software. You can do this by clicking the “Add” or “+” button and selecting the images from your computer.
3. **Selecting Images:** You can choose up to 1000 images that you want to merge into HDR images. Just drag and drop them onto the HDR Merge tool.
4. **Batch Processing:** Now, look for the option called Batch processing. This allows you to work on multiple images all at once, saving you time.
5. **Tweaking Settings:** Click on the three dots icon for more settings. Here, you can adjust things like Auto Alignment (to make sure all your images line up perfectly), Chromatic Aberration Reduction (to remove those weird color edges), and Ghost Reduction (to fix any blurry spots caused by movement). If you choose Ghost Reduction, you'll also pick a base image as your reference and decide how strong you want the effect to be. You have the flexibility to organize images by dragging them into your desired sequence. Additionally, if an image doesn't match the defined set, you can remove it by clicking on the X icon. To delete the whole group of images, just click on the trashcan icon.
6. **Merging the Images:** Select “Continue” to start the HDR merging process. Luminar for Desktop will take all your chosen exposures and blend them into one image with beautifully balanced lights and darks.
7. The newly merged HDR image will be saved as a Tiff file in the HDR Folder. You can leave it there or move it back to its original folder.

Using the HDR Merge feature in Luminar for Desktop, you can create stunning images with a broad dynamic range, capturing details in both highlights and shadows that would be difficult to achieve in a single exposure.

***

{% hint style="info" %}
Location in Neo: Extra tab > Merge Tools section
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://support.skylum.com/extra-tools/hdr-merge.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.