Convert PDF to HDR

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What happens when you convert PDF to HDR?

Page rendering

One page is converted (default: page 1). Choose another page in Advanced options.

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.

PDF

Source

PDF

Portable Document Format

Compression: Depends on variantTransparency: YesMetadata: Document information, XMP, ICC output intents

A fixed-page document format mixing text, vectors and raster images. Image conversion requires deliberate page rendering.

Explore PDF 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 PDF → HDR right for you?

Good choice when

HDR fits your delivery use: Lighting environments & radiometry.
You need a raster preview of a document page.
You need an image in an HDR-capable working pipeline.
An opaque image is acceptable for your destination.

Probably not when

Selectable text, vector objects or document navigation must remain.
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.

PDF to HDR conversion details

Page rendering: One page is converted (default: page 1). Choose another page in Advanced options.
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: PDF: Depends on variant → HDR: Lossless PDF: PDF has no single compression quality. Different streams may use lossless or lossy filters; page rasterization can remove document structure even when the resulting pixels are encoded losslessly. 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.
Colour depth: HDR: 32-bit RGBE / XYZE pixel
HDR: HDR: Radiometric values
Multiple images: PDF: Page tree
Vector graphics: PDF: Paths & text on pages
Dimensions: One page is converted (default: page 1). Choose another page in Advanced options.
Metadata: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.

Common questions

Is PDF conversion the same as image extraction?

One page is converted (default: page 1). Choose another page in Advanced options.

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?