How to Convert HDR to SDR: Best HDR to SDR Converter in 2026

Introduction

If you've ever played an HDR video on a non-HDR screen and noticed that it looks gray, flat, or overexposed, you're not alone. I work closely with video restoration and quality optimization, and HDR playback issues on SDR displays are one of the most common problems I encounter. After testing multiple HDR10 and Dolby Vision samples (4K, 10-bit, 1000 nits peak brightness), I can confidently say: Proper HDR to SDR conversion is essential!

In this guide, I'll explain:

• What HDR to SDR conversion actually does
• Why tone mapping is critical
• The best HDR to SDR converter tools
• How to convert HDR to SDR step by step
• Which solution works best depending on your needs

Quick Answer: What Is HDR to SDR Conversion?

HDR to SDR conversion means mapping high dynamic range video (Rec.2100, 10-bit, up to 1000+ nits brightness) into standard dynamic range format (Rec.709, 8-bit, 100–300 nits).

The key process is tone mapping, which compresses brightness and color information to prevent:

• Washed-out colors
• Blown-out highlights
• Low contrast
• Skin tone distortion

Popular tools to convert HDR to SDR include:

• HandBrake (free, open-source)
• DaVinci Resolve (professional color grading)
• FFmpeg (command-line advanced control)
• UniFab (automated GPU-accelerated workflow)
• Convertio (Quick online converters)
• CapCut (Easy mobile app)

Why HDR Looks Washed Out on SDR Screens

HDR video typically uses:

• Rec.2100 / BT.2020 color space
• ST2084 (PQ curve)
• 10-bit depth
• Peak brightness up to 1000–4000 nits

SDR displays support:

• Rec.709 color space
• Gamma 2.4
• 8-bit depth
• 100–300 nits brightness

When HDR content plays on an SDR display without proper tone mapping:

• Bright highlights exceed display capability
• The PQ curve is misinterpreted
• Wide color gamut collapses incorrectly
• The image appears flat or gray

This is why simply re-encoding HDR footage is not enough; you must properly convert HDR to SDR using tone mapping.

Key Concepts for 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.

Best HDR to SDR Converter Tools (Compared Table)

Quick Verdict: If your priority is professional color grading, DaVinci Resolve is powerful. If you need fast, automated HDR to SDR conversion with hardware acceleration and batch support, UniFab offers a strong balance between quality and simplicity.

My HDR to SDR Testing Setup (Real-World Validation)

To evaluate different methods objectively, I ran tests under the following conditions:

Test Environment

• Windows 11
• NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU
• 4K HDR10 sample (10-bit, 1000 nits peak)

Test Goals

• Preserve highlight detail
• Avoid washed-out appearance
• Maintain natural skin tones
• Minimize banding

Observations (Real-World HDR to SDR Test Results)

After testing the same 4K HDR10 (10-bit, 1000 nits) sample across different tools under identical viewing conditions (Rec.709 SDR monitor), here were my observations:

UniFab (Best AI HDR to SDR Converter)

UniFab Video Converterautomatically handled tone mapping and Rec.2100 → Rec.709 transformation.

Observations:

• Balanced contrast
• Preserved highlight detail
• Natural skin tones
• No manual LUT configuration required
• Consistent results across multiple clips

GPU acceleration also significantly reduced processing time compared to CPU-only tools.

For non-colorists or users handling batch conversion, that simplicity and consistency make a meaningful difference.

DaVinci Resolve (Best Professional HDR to SDR Converter)

Produced accurate color reproduction using Color Space Transform (Rec.2100 ST2084 → Rec.709 Gamma 2.4). Highlights were preserved well, and skin tones remained natural.

However, it requires understanding nodes, CST settings, and grading workflow. Not beginner-friendly.

Convertio (Best Online HDR to SDR Converter)

Conversion was simple and convenient for smaller files.

However:

• Tone mapping appeared generic rather than adaptive
• Some contrast compression was noticeable
• Bright highlights were slightly flattened
• No visible control over color space parameters

Upload and processing speed depended heavily on internet bandwidth. Suitable for quick conversions, but not ideal for large HDR libraries or precision-sensitive projects.

CapCut (Best HDR to SDR Mobile App)

Exporting with HDR disabled successfully forced SDR output.

However:

• Limited tone mapping customization
• Minor loss of highlight detail
• Slight reduction in overall dynamic contrast
• Compression artifacts more visible at lower bitrates

CapCut works well for social media delivery but not for high-quality archival conversion.

HandBrake (Best Open-Source HDR to SDR Converter)

Required manual configuration for color space and filters. While usable, it still showed slight highlight clipping in very bright scenes, especially specular highlights. Best suited for users comfortable adjusting encoding parameters.

FFmpeg

Delivered technically excellent results when using proper zscale and tonemap=reinhard filters. However, the command-line complexity makes it impractical for non-technical users. High control, steep learning curve.

How to Convert HDR to SDR Without Washed-Out Colors

Method 1: Convert HDR to SDR Using UniFab (Automated GPU Workflow)

For users who want a streamlined HDR to SDR converter with automatic tone mapping, GPU acceleration, and batch processing, UniFab offers a more beginner-friendly workflow compared to FFmpeg or DaVinci Resolve.

Steps to Convert HDR to SDR in UniFab

Step 1: Import HDR video (HDR10 / Dolby Vision supported).
Step 2: Choose SDR (Rec.709) output profile.
Step 3: Enable GPU acceleration (NVIDIA / Intel / AMD).
Step 4: Start conversion.

The software automatically applies:

• Tone mapping
• Rec.2100 → Rec.709 transformation
• 10-bit to optimized SDR output
• Contrast and highlight balancing

This makes it efficient for batch conversion and large 4K libraries.

Method 2: Convert HDR to SDR Using DaVinci Resolve (Free Professional Method)

DaVinci Resolve offers precise control using Color Space Transform (CST).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Import your HDR video into DaVinci Resolve.

Step 2: Go to the Color tab.

Step 3: Add a new node.

Step 4: Apply Color Space Transform (CST) effect.

Step 5: Set:

• Input Color Space: Rec.2100
• Input Gamma: ST2084
• Output Color Space: Rec.709
• Output Gamma: Gamma 2.4

Step 6: Enable tone mapping (use Luminance Mapping).

Step 7: Export as H.264 or ProRes in SDR.

This method produces excellent results but requires understanding color grading basics.

Best for: Professional editors & YouTube creators with grading experience

Method 3: Convert HDR to SDR Online (Convertio)

Online converters are convenient for small files.

How to Use Convertio to Convert HDR to SDR

Step 1: Visit Convertio website.
Step 2: Upload your HDR video.
Step 3: Choose output format (MP4 recommended).
Step 4: Select SDR or Rec.709 if available.
Step 5: Download the converted file.

Online HDR to SDR converters are suitable for quick conversions, but they lack precision and batch capability.

Method 4: Convert HDR to SDR on Mobile (CapCut)

CapCut is one of the most popular mobile video editing apps.

How to Convert HDR to SDR in CapCut

Step 1: Import HDR video into CapCut.
Step 2: Tap Export.
Step 3: Turn off HDR export (this forces SDR output).
Step 4: Choose resolution and export.

This method works for social media uploads but:

• Limited tone mapping control
• Reduced detail retention
• Not ideal for professional delivery

Best for: TikTok / Instagram uploads / Casual editing

Method 5: Convert HDR to SDR Using HandBrake (Free Option)

Step 1: Open HandBrake.
Step 2: Load HDR video.
Step 3: Choose H.264 or HEVC.
Step 4: Set color space to BT.709.
Step 5: Adjust filters if needed.

Free, but requires manual adjustments.

Method 6: Convert HDR to SDR with FFmpeg (Advanced)

FFmpeg offers full control.

Example command:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "zscale=t=linear:npl=100,tonemap=reinhard,zscale=t=bt709:m=bt709:r=tv" output.mp4

This gives precise control over tone mapping but is not beginner-friendly.

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.

Final Thoughts

After testing desktop software, online tools, and mobile apps, I’ve found that the best HDR to SDR converter depends on your workflow.

• Professionals may prefer manual control in DaVinci Resolve.
• Casual users may use CapCut or Convertio.
• Advanced users may rely on FFmpeg.
• For consistent, GPU-accelerated batch processing without complex setup, UniFab simplifies the process significantly.

HDR to SDR conversion is not just re-encoding, it's about preserving contrast, brightness, and color integrity.

FAQs about HDR to SDR

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.