HDR display encoding
HDR is rendered to SDR using exposure and Reinhard tone mapping.
Convert HDR to JPEG XL
- In your browser
- No upload
- Private by design
What happens when you convert HDR to JPEG XL?
Transparency
The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
Encoding mode
Lossless pixels, lossy pixels and reversible recompression of an eligible JPEG bitstream are separate modes. Exact JPEG reconstruction requires its reconstruction data, not just matching rendered pixels. Quality defaults to 80; adjust it in Advanced options. File size depends on the image and encoder.
HDR
Source
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 →JPEG XL
Target
JPEG XL
JPEG XL Image Coding System
Compression: Lossy & losslessTransparency: YesMetadata: Exif, XMP, ICC, JUMBF
A JPEG-family image system for lossy and lossless pictures, high precision, alpha and animation.
Explore JPEG XL format →Is HDR → JPEG XL right for you?
Good choice when
- JPEG XL fits your delivery use: High-precision photographic storage.
- You need HDR-capable delivery and can validate its encoding and colour signalling.
- Your receiving application supports the required JPEG XL variant.
- You can validate the destination’s sample precision and colour interpretation.
- You need a JPEG XL-compatible workflow that can hold transparency added in a separate edit.
Probably not when
- You require guaranteed scene-linear values or HDR appearance.
- You need a guaranteed output file size or archival pixel equality. Encoder settings do not guarantee either.
- You require identical samples without a defined colour and precision policy.
- You expect automatic background removal or transparency.
HDR to JPEG XL conversion details
- HDR display encoding
- HDR is rendered to SDR using exposure and Reinhard tone mapping.
- Transparency
- The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
- Encoding mode
- Lossless pixels, lossy pixels and reversible recompression of an eligible JPEG bitstream are separate modes. Exact JPEG reconstruction requires its reconstruction data, not just matching rendered pixels. Quality defaults to 80; adjust it in Advanced options. File size depends on the image and encoder.
- 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
- HDR: Lossless → JPEG XL: Lossy & lossless 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. JPEG XL: Lossless pixels, lossy pixels and reversible recompression of an eligible JPEG bitstream are separate modes. Exact JPEG reconstruction requires its reconstruction data, not just matching rendered pixels.
- 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
- HDR: 32-bit RGBE / XYZE pixel → JPEG XL: High-bit-depth samples
- HDR
- HDR: Radiometric values → JPEG XL: Supported
- Layers
- JPEG XL: Frame blending; not PSD editing
- 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 HDR automatically survive in JPEG XL?
HDR is rendered to SDR using exposure and Reinhard tone mapping.
Will the background become transparent?
The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
Which compression mode will JPEG XL use?
Lossless pixels, lossy pixels and reversible recompression of an eligible JPEG bitstream are separate modes. Exact JPEG reconstruction requires its reconstruction data, not just matching rendered pixels. Quality defaults to 80; adjust it in Advanced options. File size depends on the image and encoder.
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?
Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.