HDR to SDR Converter

HDR to SDR Converter | Online Free Tool | Elysia Tools

Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category: Media
Input types: file, select, range
Output type: file
Sample coverage: 4
API ready: Yes

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.

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

1Upload your HDR video file in formats like MP4, MOV, or MKV (up to 500MB).
2Select your preferred tone mapping algorithm, such as BT.2390 or Hable, to map high-brightness levels to standard ranges.
3Adjust optional settings like brightness boost, output quality (CRF), encoding speed, and target output format.
4Click 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.

Examples

1. Converting iPhone Dolby Vision HDR for Social Media

Content Creator

Background

A content creator recorded a vlog on an iPhone in Dolby Vision HDR, but when uploaded to a standard social media platform, the video looked washed out and lacked contrast.

Problem

The creator needs to convert the HDR video to standard SDR (BT.709) so colors display vibrantly on all mobile devices.

How to use

Upload the HDR MP4 file, select the BT.2390 tone mapping algorithm, set the CRF to 18 for high quality, and choose MP4 as the output format.

{
  "toneMapping": "bt2390",
  "crf": 18,
  "outputFormat": "mp4"
}

Outcome

The video is converted to a standard SDR MP4 with rich colors and balanced contrast, ready for direct upload to social media.

2. Preparing Cinematic HDR Footage for Legacy Editors

Video Editor

Background

An editor received high-quality HDR footage in MOV format but is working on an older editing suite that does not support HDR color grading.

Problem

The editor needs to convert the footage to SDR while preserving as much cinematic detail and shadow depth as possible.

FAQ

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.

{
  "toneMapping": "mobius",
  "preset": "slower",
  "outputFormat": "mov"
}

Run this tool

Inputs

Result

Examples that match this tool

Continue with connected tools and hubs

Inputs

Result

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Overview

When to use

How it works

Use cases

Examples

1. Converting iPhone Dolby Vision HDR for Social Media

2. Preparing Cinematic HDR Footage for Legacy Editors

FAQ

Web Image Processing Python Samples

Android Image Processing Java Samples

Android Image Processing Kotlin Samples

macOS Image Processing Objective-C Samples

AVI to MP4 Converter

FLV to MP4 Converter

Convert GIF to MP4

Convert GIF to WebM

Video-to-Audio and Animation Conversion Tools

Video Preview, Extraction, and Subtitle Tools

Subtitle Conversion, Embedding, and Localization Tools

Audio Encoding and Format Conversion Tools