How to Convert HDR to SDR [Simple 2025 Guide]
- Updated on 2025-11-18
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Table Of Content
This guide introduces 5 popular HDR to SDR converters, and how to use them. You can use desktop and professional video converting software such as UniFab or Final Cut Pro to do HDR to SDR conversion on PC, an web-based converter like Convertio to convert HDR to SDR online, and mobile apps like iMovie or Samsung Galaxy Built-in Editor to convert HDR to SDR on iPhone or Android.
Basics You Need to Know About HDR to SDR
What is HDR?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology enhances videos with greater contrast, wider color ranges, and improved brightness levels. HDR formats include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, offering a richer visual experience compared to SDR content.
What is SDR Content?
SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) is the traditional video format with a more limited range of colors and contrast. SDR videos are widely compatible with most screens and devices, making them more accessible. Converting HDR to SDR ensures that videos can be viewed without compatibility issues.
HDR vs SDR: What's the Difference between HDR and SDR?
HDR and SDR are two video formats that differ mainly in color range, brightness, and overall image quality.
- Color and Brightness: HDR displays a wider color gamut and much higher brightness levels. It can show more vivid colors and finer details in both very bright and very dark areas of a scene. SDR, on the other hand, has a narrower color range and lower peak brightness, which results in less vivid images.
- Color Spaces: HDR commonly uses standards like Rec. 2020 or DCI-P3 color gamuts with PQ or HLG gamma curves. SDR uses the older Rec. 709 color space and simpler gamma curves.
- Image Depth: HDR video typically stores color with 10 or more bits per channel, allowing smoother color gradients and less banding. SDR usually uses 8 bits per channel.
- Device Compatibility: SDR is compatible with virtually all displays and devices. HDR requires HDR-capable screens, and playback on non-HDR devices can appear washed out or oddly colored unless converted.
- Use Cases: HDR is preferred for premium content like films and high-end videos where visual quality matters most. SDR remains standard for most streaming, broadcasting, and consumer devices.
Imagine taking a photo of a bright sunny landscape.
- With an SDR camera: The bright sky might appear completely white, and the shadows under trees might be completely black. You lose a lot of detail in both the very bright and very dark areas.
- With an HDR camera, the sky would still be bright, but you'd be able to see the clouds and the sun clearly. The shadows under the trees would have detail, too, showing the shapes of leaves and the ground.
Why Convert HDR to SDR?
HDR offers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and high contrast, but not all devices or platforms support it. Converting HDR video to nomal ensures your videos can be properly viewed across a wider range of devices. Here are some reasons why you might need to do the conversion:
- Better Compatibility: Not all devices support HDR playback, and some platforms, such as social media, require SDR formats.
- Avoid Overexposure Issues: SDR screens may display HDR content incorrectly, leading to washed-out colors or excessive brightness.
- Easier Editing & Sharing: SDR videos work better with most video editing software and streaming services.
HDR to SDR Conversion makes your content more accessible, ensuring better compatibility and viewing on different devices and platforms.
Common Problems and Solutions When Converting HDR to SDR
1. Colors Look Dull or Washed Out
- Problem: HDR videos have bright and colorful images, but when converted to SDR, these colors get squeezed, making the video look flat.
- Solution: Use good tone mapping tools that carefully adjust brightness and colors so the video stays vibrant. Tools like UniFab Video Converter can help you do this.
2. Loss of Detail in Bright or Dark Parts - Problem: If the conversion settings are not right, bright or dark areas can lose details and look blurry or faded.
- Solution: Change tone mapping and gamma settings and check the video before finalizing. Adjust until details are clear.
3. Wrong Color Settings in Video File - Problem: Sometimes the converted video keeps HDR color data, which can confuse video players and show colors wrong.
- Solution: Make sure color settings are set to Rec. 709, which is the SDR standard. Some tools let you manually fix this.
4. Slow Conversion or Big Video Files - Problem: HDR files are large and complex, so converting can be slow and make huge files.
- Solution: Use converters with GPU acceleration to speed up. Lower output resolution, bitrate, or use better codecs to keep file size manageable.
5. Playback Problems on Some Devices - Problem: Some devices may not play the converted video well because of unsupported codecs or formats.
- Solution: Export your video in popular formats like MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec to ensure smooth playback everywhere.
Method overview of HDR to SDR Conversion
Popular methods to convert HDR to SDR include Tone Mapping, Manual adjustment, Automated presets and color space. Let's briefly understand them.
1. Tone Mapping
Tone mapping is a popular technique for compressing the dynamic range of HDR images to make them compatible with SDR displays. This technique maps the content's brightest and darkest parts to be in sync with the dynamic range of the SDR display. In the end, you get beautiful and detailed SDR content that is as good as the source (HDR content) file.
2. Manual Adjustment
Some advanced video converter tools like UniFab unlock precise manual control over core visual parameters, including brightness, contrast, and color saturation. This level of customization lets users fine-tune every detail of an SDR image. For example, brightening underexposed shadows to reveal hidden details, balancing contrast to avoid washed-out highlights, or adjusting saturation to make colors more vivid.
3. Automated Presets
To simplify the SDR optimization or conversion process, especially for beginners, many software solutions include pre-built automated presets and one-click tools. By eliminating the need to manually adjust individual parameters, these tools let even novice users complete high-quality SDR tweaks quickly, ensuring consistent results without requiring deep knowledge of image editing.
4. Color Space
When it comes to color space, HDR relies on wider spectrums such as Rec. 2100, while SDR operates within a narrower framework—with Rec. 709 being its standard. Notably, during any conversion from HDR to SDR, it's critical to ensure the output aligns with this correct SDR color space, namely Rec. 709.
HDR to SDR Converter Tools [2025]
Here are the five best methods to convert HDR to SDR for different platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
| HDR Converter | Compatible OS | Features |
| UniFab Video Converter (Our Pick) | Windows & macOS | An AI-powered converter that supports over 1000 formats, offering high-quality HDR to SDR conversion with customizable parameters and GPU acceleration. |
| Final Cut Pro | macOS | A professional video editing software for Mac users, providing advanced color grading tools suitable for HDR to SDR conversion. |
| Convertio | Web-based app | An online file conversion tool that supports various video formats, allowing for quick HDR to SDR conversions without software installation. |
| iMovie | iOS devices and Mac computers | A user-friendly video editor for iOS devices, capable of handling basic HDR to SDR conversions with ease. |
| Samsung Galaxy Built-in Editor | Samsung Galaxy S22 | The default video editor in Samsung Galaxy devices offers simple tools for converting HDR videos to SDR. |
How to Convert HDR to SDR on PC?
Convert HDR to SDR with UniFab Video Converter
UniFab Video Converter is a professional software that simplifies HDR to SDR conversion while maintaining high video quality. It can be seen as a free desktop converter because you can try it for free in 30 days. It allows you to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and white balance, ensuring a more natural look on SDR displays. Additionally, it supports over 1000 video formats, enabling seamless conversion, compression, and editing for playback on any device.
With lossless compression and customizable output settings, it's an excellent choice for enhancing video quality before sharing on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and more.
Price: 30-day free trial. Lifetime license at $59.99
Compatible OS: Windows & macOS
Key Features of UniFab Video Converter
- Supports 1000+ video formats for playback on any device.
- Compress videos while preserving the original quality.
- GPU acceleration technologies enable 50x faster speed.
- Enables to edit multiple videos with batch processing.
- Fine-tuning parameters, including resolution, sample rate, bit rate, frame rate, Encoding method, subtitles.
- It offers a comprehensive editor module that includes Crop, Effect, Subtitle, Watermark, Audio, Speed, etc.
- Trim videos by cutting the unnecessary video segments from the start, end, or any part of the video.
Convert HDR to SDR with UniFab: Step-By-Step Guide
30-day Free Trial with full feature access!
Open UniFab, click 'All Features' > Select 'Converter' from 'Video Tools' > Click the '+' button to add the HDR video you want to downscale to SDR.
Click on the dropdown option to the right of ‘Output’ and select ‘Choose Other Format’ to choose your desired format for conversion.
Click "Editor" icon, you can adjust brightness，contrast，saturation, white balance, and other settings.
Customize the output parameters in the Video Conversion Settings window. Choose the output quality, video codec, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, color space, etc., and choose audio parameters. Then, tap OK or Apply to All.
Tips: If you're unsure how to configure the best parameters for your video, we recommend you make them as default.
Hit the Start option to begin the HDR to SDR conversion process. The conversion task will be completed at lightning speed.
Verdict: UniFab stands out as the top-recommended tool for HDR to SDR conversion because it combines high-format support, GPU-accelerated performance, and both preset and manual tone-mapping controls in one seamless package. It lets users fine-tune brightness, contrast, white balance and color gamut while still being accessible to less-experienced editors. In comparison to other tools, UniFab offers the best balance of quality, speed and ease of use for universal workflows — making it the clear go-to choice for anybody serious about converting HDR to SDR.
How to Convert HDR to SDR on Mac?
Convert HDR into SDR on Mac by Final Cut Pro
Mac users can rely on non-linear video editor software like Final Cut Pro to convert HDR to SDR. The software helps with seamless conversion when you want to upload a video from your phone to YouTube. In addition, Final Cut Pro can convert MOV or MXF videos to SDR standard mode despite direct encoding with HLG or PQ standards.
Price: Free version available for three months. Full license at $299.99
Compatible OS: macOS
Pros
- +
High speed and performance
- +
Supports vast color spaces with 360-degree footage
Cons
- -
It takes a lot of storage space
- -
The timeline can get uncomfortable when you work with various video and audio files
Convert HDR Video to Normal Using Final Cut Pro: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Run the Final Cut Pro video editing app on your Mac computer. Load your HDR video into it.
Step 2: Open the Effects browser and choose the Color category on the left side. Click the HDR Tools twice to add the effect to the added clip in the timeline.
Step 3: Tap the Inspector button on the right side of the toolbar.
Step 4: Tap the Video button on the Inspector's upper side.
Step 5: Hit the Mode popup menu in the Inspector's HDR Tools section.
Step 6: Select HDR to Rec. 709 SDR to Rec. 709 SDR luminance levels.
Note: If you are sure about your clips and know the exact HDR variant (i.e., HLG or PQ), you can choose a more specific conversion option. Such as:
- PQ Output Tone Map
- PQ to Rec. 709 SDR
- HLG to Rec. 709 SDR
- PQ to HLG (Rec. 2100)
- HLG to PQ (Rec. 2100)
Step 7: Now drag the Peak Brightness (nits) slider to set your video's max. luminance to the required level (say 1000 nits).
Step 8: Drag the Mix slider to optionally set the amount of original clip that you want to blend with your adjusted clip.
Verdict: Final Cut Pro is a professional-grade Mac editor with full HDR/SDR support and advanced color grading tools — its greatest strength lies in the creative control it offers seasoned editors on the macOS platform. However, when compared to UniFab, Final Cut Pro is less focused purely on HDR→SDR batch conversion and demands greater technical knowledge, higher cost, and more manual setup for optimal tone-mapping. If you simply want a streamlined HDR to SDR workflow, UniFab remains the more efficient option.
How to Convert HDR to SDR Online?
Free Decode HDR to SDR with Convertio
Convertio is an online HDR to SDR converter that can convert your HDR files to SDR and SDR files to HDR. Using this free software, you can change the color gamut of the image between HDR and SDR and efficiently achieve the image conversion of HDR to SDR.
Price: Free version available. Light plan at $9.99/mo, Basic plan at $14.99/mo, and Unlimited plan at $25.99/mo
Compatible OS: Web-based app
Pros
- +
It provides many file formats
- +
Saves from the hassle of downloading the software or account creation
Cons
- -
Requires active and stable internet connection
- -
Slow conversion speed with limited file size
How to Convert HDR to SDR Using Convertio: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the Convertio HDR Converter page on your web browser.
Step 2: Tap the Choose Files button in the center to upload your HDR image.
Step 3: Select the SDR color gamut.
Step 4: Hit the Convert option to convert HDR to SDR.
Verdict: Convertio wins credit for convenience: no installation required, browser‐based, suitable for quick HDR to SDR jobs on the fly. Its major advantage is ease of access — ideal for casual users or occasional conversions. On the downside compared to UniFab, it lacks deep tone-mapping controls, GPU acceleration, high resolution/bit-depth support and is less suited for high-volume or high-fidelity projects. For professional output, UniFab remains superior.
How to Convert HDR to SDR on iPhone?
Transcode HDR Video to SDR by iMovie
iMovie is a built-in solution for your iPhone that helps you easilyconvert HDR to SDRand transform HDR files into standard SDR. With iMovie, you need not install any external software and compromise the storage space. Instead, it comes pre-installed on your iOS devices, where you can add the recorded HR videos to the iMovie project and edit them.
Price: Free
Compatible OS: iOS devices and Mac computers
Pros
- +
Free to use and built-in app on iPhone, other iOS devices, and Mac computers
- +
Enables converting and editing videos to eliminate unwanted recordings
Cons
- -
Consumes high device resources, adversely affecting its performance
- -
Slow processing times and lag while editing projects
How to Convert HDR video to Normal Using iMovie: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Find the iMovie app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Add HDR videos recorded on your phone to your iMovie projects.
Step 3: Upon sharing a movie, click Options and then turn on HDR to output your video in HDR.
Step 4: Now turn off the HDR button to share the movie's SDR version and get the SDR format.
Verdict: iMovie is great for beginners or mobile users — very easy to use, integrated on iOS/macOS, and enough to convert HDR video into “normal” SDR for casual sharing. Its main strength is accessibility. However, compared to UniFab, iMovie is far more limited: fewer format options, minimal manual adjustment of color/contrast/gamut, slower processing, and lower quality output. Thus, for serious HDR to SDR work, UniFab clearly offers higher fidelity and flexibility.
How to Convert HDR to SDR on Android?
Convert HDR to SDR by Samsung Galaxy S22 phone
HDR to SDR conversion on Android is not easy. However, if you own a Samsung Galaxy S22 phone, you can easily convert your camera-recorded HDR10+ videos into SDR versions and share them on non-HDR-compliant screens. For example, you can convert and share your SDR clips to PCs and older television sets and enjoy your favorite media files anywhere on all devices.
Price: Free
Compatible OS: Samsung Galaxy S22
Pros
- +
Preserves the original clips and creates a separate output file
- +
It does not require installing an external (third-party) app
Cons
- -
Works only on Samsung Galaxy S22
- -
Requires tapping multiple times on three-dot menus that are located at different sections of the screen
Convert HDR video to Normal by Transcoding Video and Image Editing: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the Gallery application on your phone and find the HDR10+ video clip to be converted.
Step 2: Tap the triple-dot menu at the bottom right corner and select the Open in Video Player option from the popupmenu.
Step 3: Once your video opens in the video player, tap on three dots in the top-right corner. Click Editor.
Step 4: In the Editor pane, click the three dots in the bottom right and choose the Size and Format option.
Step 5: Change the video resolution and format from the menu that appears. In the dropdown menu at the bottom, choose SDR (plays on any device) and smoothly convert HDR to SDR.
Step 6: Instead of clicking Save, tap the three-dot icon at the lower right and click Save as Copy. This way, your original HDR video will also be there, and a new file of SDR video will be created.
Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S22 stands out primarily for its exceptional display and imaging capabilities — with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, HDR10+ support, and strong video / photo specs, it delivers premium visual performance. However, when compared to UniFab Video Converter, it lacks the specialized flexibility for HDR to SDR conversion workflows. UniFab offers targeted tools for tone-mapping HDR footage, batch processing, format conversion and precise control over color-space output (such as Rec. 709).
In other words, the S22 is excellent for capturing HDR content, but when you need to convert that HDR content into SDR for broader compatibility or specific output requirements, UniFab provides a richer and more focused solution than the phone alone.
Bonus: How to Convert SDR to HDR
UniFab HDR Upconverter AI is an excellent choice for SDR to HDR conversion, as it utilizes AI-driven technology to upgrade SDR videos to HDR10 and Dolby Vision. With its advanced algorithms, you can achieve SDR to HDR conversion with natural color enhancement and improved dynamic range. Whether you want to convert video to HDR for a cinematic experience or simply enhance your old SDR movies, UniFab provides an easy and effective solution.
Conclusion about HDR to SDR
To convert HDR to SDR, the key step is applying tone mapping, which reduces HDR's high brightness range and wide color gamut into the more limited SDR standard. This can be done through free desktop converters such as UniFab, Video Editing Software like Final Cut Pr, or online converters including Convertio. No matter which tool you choose, the workflow is similar: import your HDR footage, select an SDR output profile (typically Rec. 709), and then export the video in the desired SDR format.
- Using free desktop converters
UniFab: Upload the HDR video, choose SDR conversion settings, and start the conversion.
- Using Desktop Video Editing Software
Final Cut Pro: Place your HDR footage on an SDR (Rec. 709) timeline, then select the clip and apply the HDR Tools effect. In the effect settings, switch the mode from the original HDR format (such as HLG or PQ) to Rec. 709 SDR to complete the conversion.
- Using Online Converters
Convertio: Upload HDR video, select an SDR color space as the output option, and start the conversion.
- Using Built-in Tools
iMovie : When you export your project, click Options and then turn on HDR to output your video in HDR.
Samsung Galaxy S22 phone: In the Editor pane, open the Size and Format settings from the three-dot menu. Then adjust the resolution and format as needed, and select SDR from the dropdown to convert your HDR video to SDR.
Best HDR to SDR Converter
- 30-day Free Trial without watermark
- Supports 1000+ video formats
- Faster speed and batch processing
UniFab Video Converter
FAQs about HDR to SDR Converter
What is the best HDR to SDR converter?
UniFab Video Converter is easy to use, works with many formats, and does both HDR to SDR and SDR to HDR conversion.
Is SDR better than HDR?
SDR is not necessarily better than HDR; it depends on the viewing device and content. HDR offers superior brightness, contrast, and color depth, making it ideal for modern displays. However, SDR content is more widely compatible with older screens. If you want to enhance SDR to HDR conversion, tools like UniFab HDR Upconverter AI can help by intelligently upgrading SDR videos to HDR10 or Dolby Vision, ensuring richer colors and improved dynamic range for a more immersive viewing experience.
Does YouTube Convert HDR to SDR?
Yes, YouTube automatically performs HDR to SDR conversion when playing YouTube HDR videos on non-HDR displays. This ensures that SDR devices can still view the content, though some details may be lost.
Can Plex convert HDR to SDR?
Yes, Plex can convert HDR to SDR, but the quality of the conversion depends on your server's processing power and the transcoding settings. Some users prefer external HDR to SDR converters for better results.
How to Change HDR Video to Normal on My iPhone?
To convert HDR to normal video on your iPhone, there are two main ways. Before recording, open "Settings", go to "Camera" > "Record Video", and turn off "HDR Video". If you've already recorded an HDR video, open iMovie, click "Movie" under "Start New Project", choose the HDR video from your camera roll. After opening it, click "Done" in the top - left, then the save icon. In the pop - up, select "Options", uncheck "HDR", and click "Save Video". The converted video will be in your camera roll.
How Many Nits is HDR to SDR?
The conversion from HDR to SDR isn't strictly defined by a specific number of nits. HDR typically operates in the range of 1000 nits or more, while SDR is usually designed for displays with a peak brightness around 100 nits. However, during the conversion process, the brightness and color values are adjusted algorithmically to fit the SDR range, and it's not a one-to-one mapping of a specific nit value.
How Does HDR Differ from SDR?
SDR content has a maximum luminance of 100 cd/m2, while HDR has a wider contrast and color range, resulting in brighter images than SDR. You can see more incredible details and colors in scenes. HDR is superior in brightness (up to 1000 nits), color gamut (P3 and Rec. 2020), and color depth (8-bit to 12-bit) than SDR.
What is the iPhone app for HDR to SDR?
iMovie is a good iPhone app for HDR to SDR. Import the HDR video, edit if needed, then export.
What does HDR -> SDR mean?
HDR -> SDR means converting High Dynamic Range (HDR) video to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). HDR has a wider range of brightness and richer colors; SDR uses a narrower brightness/color range, making the video playable on more devices that don’t support HDR.