Convert GIF to HDR

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What happens when you convert GIF to HDR?

Animation becomes a still

Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.

An HDR container adds no captured range

This stores display pixels in RGBE; it does not create new HDR detail.

Opaque output

Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.

Lossless sample storage

RLE preserves stored RGBE bytes; RGBE quantization is not exact storage of arbitrary float RGB. The .hdr format is distinct from the general concept of HDR photography. HDR can store its supported image samples without lossy compression. This applies after rendering and sample conversion: it does not guarantee preservation of source precision, colour space or document structure, and cannot undo earlier losses.

GIF

Source

GIF

Graphics Interchange Format

Compression: LosslessTransparency: YesMetadata: Comments, Application extensions

Indexed-colour images and simple frame animation. GIF uses LZW compression and palette-index transparency.

Explore GIF format →

HDR

Target

HDR

Radiance HDR / RGBE

Compression: LosslessTransparency: NoMetadata: Radiance header, EXPOSURE, FORMAT

Radiance pictures with a shared exponent for high-dynamic-range lighting values.

Explore HDR format →

Is GIF → HDR right for you?

Good choice when

HDR fits your delivery use: Lighting environments & radiometry.
You want a still illustration from an animated source.
You need an image in an HDR-capable working pipeline.
An opaque image is acceptable for your destination.

Probably not when

Motion, frame timing or loop behaviour must survive.
You expect new highlight or shadow detail from a container change.
You need cutouts or translucent edges for compositing.
You expect lossless encoding to restore lost details or editing structure.

GIF to HDR conversion details

Animation becomes a still: Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.
An HDR container adds no captured range: This stores display pixels in RGBE; it does not create new HDR detail.
Opaque output: Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.
Lossless sample storage: RLE preserves stored RGBE bytes; RGBE quantization is not exact storage of arbitrary float RGB. The .hdr format is distinct from the general concept of HDR photography. HDR can store its supported image samples without lossy compression. This applies after rendering and sample conversion: it does not guarantee preservation of source precision, colour space or document structure, and cannot undo earlier losses.
Sample precision & colour: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Metadata & colour: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Compression: GIF: Lossless → HDR: Lossless GIF: LZW compression is lossless for the stored palette indices. Colour reduction before encoding is not lossless for an arbitrary RGB source. HDR: RLE preserves stored RGBE bytes; RGBE quantization is not exact storage of arbitrary float RGB. The .hdr format is distinct from the general concept of HDR photography.
Transparency: Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.
Animation: Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.
Colour depth: GIF: Up to 256 colours/table → HDR: 32-bit RGBE / XYZE pixel
HDR: HDR: Radiometric values
Dimensions: Rendered image dimensions are retained within the converter limits; this tool does not offer resizing. Orientation handling depends on the source decoder.
Metadata: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.

Common questions

Will the output keep animation?

Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.

Can HDR recover clipped highlights?

This stores display pixels in RGBE; it does not create new HDR detail.

What happens to transparent areas?

Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.

Are bit depth and colour values guaranteed to match?

Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.

Will metadata and colour profiles be retained?