# HDR to SDR Converter

Convert HDR (High Dynamic Range) videos to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) with proper tone mapping and color space conversion

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/video-hdr-to-sdr

- **Category:** Media

- **Keywords:** video, hdr, sdr, convert, tone-mapping, color, dynamic-range, bt2020

## Overview

The HDR to SDR Converter allows you to easily convert High Dynamic Range (HDR) videos into Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) format. By applying advanced tone mapping algorithms and precise color space conversions, it prevents washed-out colors and preserves visual details, making your HDR footage compatible with standard displays and platforms.

## Inputs

- **Video File** (file): Select the HDR video file to convert
- **Tone Mapping Algorithm** (select): Algorithm for mapping HDR brightness to SDR
- **Brightness Boost** (range): Adjust brightness after conversion (-20 to +20)
- **Output Quality (CRF)** (range): Lower = better quality (18 recommended for SDR conversion)
- **Encoding Speed** (select)
- **Output Format** (select)

## When to use

- When you need to upload HDR footage captured on modern smartphones or cameras to platforms that only support standard dynamic range.
- When your HDR videos appear washed-out, grey, or overly dark on older monitors, TVs, or standard media players.
- When preparing video assets for editing workflows or distribution channels that require strict BT.709 color space compliance.

## How it works

- Upload your HDR video file in formats like MP4, MOV, or MKV (up to 500MB).
- Select your preferred tone mapping algorithm, such as BT.2390 or Hable, to map high-brightness levels to standard ranges.
- Adjust optional settings like brightness boost, output quality (CRF), encoding speed, and target output format.
- Click convert to process the video and download the color-corrected SDR output file.

## Use cases

- Converting iPhone HDR (Dolby Vision) videos to standard MP4 for sharing on social media without color distortion.
- Preparing HDR camera footage for legacy video editing software that lacks native HDR color management.
- Optimizing high-end cinematic HDR renders for web streaming on standard SDR displays.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why do my HDR videos look washed out on standard screens?

Standard screens cannot display the high brightness and wide color gamut of HDR, resulting in a flat, desaturated look without proper tone mapping.

### Which tone mapping algorithm should I choose?

BT.2390 is highly recommended for accurate luminance mapping, while Hable offers a balanced, film-like contrast.

### What does the CRF setting do?

CRF (Constant Rate Factor) controls output quality. A lower value like 18 yields excellent quality, while higher values reduce file size.

### Can I convert large video files?

Yes, the converter supports video file uploads up to 500MB.

### What output formats are supported?

You can export your converted SDR video to MP4, WebM, MKV, AVI, or MOV formats.

## Related tools

- [AVI to MP4 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/avi-to-mp4): Convert AVI video files to MP4 format
- [FLV to MP4 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/flv-to-mp4): Convert FLV video files to MP4 format
- [Convert GIF to MP4](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-mp4): Convert GIF images to MP4 video format with customizable quality and resolution settings
- [Convert GIF to WebM](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-webm): Convert GIF images to WebM video format with modern compression and web optimization
- [MKV to MP4 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/mkv-to-mp4): Convert MKV video files to MP4 format
- [MOV to MP4 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/mov-to-mp4): Convert MOV video files to MP4 format
- [MP4 to AVI Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/mp4-to-avi): Convert MP4 video files to AVI format
- [MP4 to FLV Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/mp4-to-flv): Convert MP4 video files to FLV format

## Samples

- [Web Image Processing Python Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-python): Web Python image processing examples using PIL/Pillow including reading, saving, resizing, and format conversion
- [Android Image Processing Java Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-java): Android Java image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion
- [Android Image Processing Kotlin Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-kotlin): Android Kotlin image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion
- [macOS Image Processing Objective-C Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/macos-image-processing-objectivec): macOS Objective-C image processing examples including image reading/saving, image scaling, and format conversion

## Related content

- [Video Color Correction, Looks, and Delivery](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/video-color-grading-and-filters-tools): Correct exposure and color in video, add a restrained LUT or filter look, and handle interlacing or HDR/SDR delivery separately.