How to open a .hdr file
Quick, free ways to open Radiance HDR on any system.
A .hdr file is a High Dynamic Range Image. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Radiance HDR yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .hdr file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .hdr. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
- On Mac, use Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
- On Linux, try GIMP or Blender.
- Still stuck? Convert the .hdr to exr, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .hdr files
Windows
- Adobe Photoshop
- GIMP
- Blender
- Luminance HDR
macOS
- Adobe Photoshop
- GIMP
- Blender
Linux
- GIMP
- Blender
- Luminance HDR
!
Before you open it: Safe. A Radiance HDR is image data read by graphics software.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .hdr file?
Almost always because no installed app understands Radiance HDR. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open an .hdr image file?
Use Photoshop, GIMP or Blender, all of which read Radiance HDR. Tone-mapping tools like Luminance HDR convert it to a normal image.
What is an HDR file used for?
Storing high dynamic range images, especially environment maps that light 3D scenes realistically, and merged HDR photographs.