Opening an HDR File

The HDR file type is primarily associated with Photomatix.

HDR	File extension: HDR
	File type:	image

What is an HDR file?

HDR files mostly belong to Photomatix by HDRsoft. HDR filename extension is associated with raster images saved using the High Dynamic Range file format used by image and light simulation programs such as Radiance, Photomatix, Photoshop, and Photostudio. Graphics data such as the color range and brightness in HDR images are enhanced to improve the vibrance, saturation, or natural appearance of the captured scene. HDR filename extension is also used by text-based header files containing the layout, size, and map image layers used by GIS programs such as ArcGIS and Global Mapper. The information stored in such HDR are also used for geo-referencing. Procomm Plus, a terminal emulation software saves message headers in HDR files. Setup header information used by InstallShield, a tool for creating installation package utilities are also saved in HDR files. Files containing saved hole-drill schedule reports created by OrCAD PCB Designer have HDR filename extension.

How do you open HDR files?

You need a suitable software like Photomatix to open an HDR file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your HDR file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a HDR file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online HDR File Viewer

Choose your .hdr file to view this image

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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Easily convert HDR files to JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, ...

If you want to convert or edit an HDR file, you can use our free Online HDR File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):

To do this, click the button "Choose your .hdr file to view this image" on this page.
Your HDR file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the image format (e.g. JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, ...) you want.
Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert HDR files:

Photomatix by HDRsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. HDR files are often referred to as Photomatix raster images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Analyze (image header) by Mayo Clinic
Analyze is a biomedical imaging software package for viewing, processing, and measuring multi-modality biomedical images. The Analyze 7.5 file format saves image data in two separate files; the IMG file contains the actual image while the HDR (header) file contains additional information about the image. This file format is classified as Raster Image.
APOLLO (image) by HEXAGON
APOLLO is an enterprise-level geospatial data management and delivery software. It features a range of tools for collecting and disseminating geospatial data and images to various clients. HDR is one of the raster file formats for storing images and geo-referencing data in APOLLO. This file format is classified as GIS. Related links: XnView
ArcGIS (header) by ESRI
ArcGIS is a Geographic Information System (GIS) software suite with tools for map creation, data visualization, and data analysis. The header file containing geo-referencing and structural information used by ArcGIS has HDR filename extension. This file format is classified as GIS. Related links: ArcInfo, XnView
Egret Engine Manager (data) by Egret
Egret Engine Manager is a cross-platform, HTML5 game development engine for handling graphical user interface tasks such as 2 and 3 dimensional rendering. Some data used by Egret Engine Manager are stored in HDR files. This file format is classified as Developer.
InstallShield (setup header) by Revenera
InstallShield is a program used to create Windows and mobile software installation packages. The setup headers used by InstallShield are stored in HDR files. This file format is classified as Data.
OrCAD PCB Designer (saved hole-drill schedule report) by Candence
OrCAD PCB Designer is a Windows-based software suite for creating printed circuit board designs. Saved hole-drill schedule reports used by this program are stored in HDR files. This file format is classified as Data.
Photoshop (image) by Adobe
Photoshop is a cross-platform photo editing software a with range of tools for enhancing, retouching, repairing, and converting images stored in various raster graphics formats. It may be used to open and edit High Dynamic Range images saved in HDR files. This file format is classified as Raster Image. Related links: High-dynamic-range imaging
Procomm Plus (message header) by NortonLifeLock
Procomm Plus is a discontinued terminal emulation software for legacy Windows operating systems. Message headers received or sent by this program were stored in HDR files. This file format is classified as Data.
Radiance (image map) by Greg Ward
Radiance is a suite of light simulation tools with high dynamic range imaging and raytracing support. Architectural and open space lighting simulations can be performed with this software package. Radiance stores high dynamic range images in HDR file format. This file format is classified as Raster Image.

HDR file extension format:

The file format, which is the arrangement and type of data in a file, determines which program can open the file. Each file format has a unique extension and almost always a unique signature. For example, Microsoft Word documents have the extension .docx and the signature (usually the first 3 characters in this file) PK. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our examination of the HDR files comes to the following conclusion:

HDR is a very common file type and mainly uses a special format. The two most common formats are as follows:

65% of all HDR files belong to Radiance High Dynamic Range bitmap. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. The files are on average 2 MB in size and range from 220 KB to 22 MB. The file type was created 10 years ago, but is still used today. The files contain the following words: FORMAT=32-bit_rle_rgbe, #?RADIANCE, GAMMA=1, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 and PRIMARIES=0 . These files are attributed to conv, image, screenshot, photo, programas, logo, studio and point.
5% of all HDR files are InstallShield setup header files. They consist of unreadable binary data. The files are on average 43 KB in size and range from 7 KB to 260 KB. The keywords ISc( are typical for these files. data1.hdr or _sys1.hdr is a typical file name. Files like these have the following tags: user.

All other HDR files (30%) have different formats, frequently e.g. Mayo/SPM Analyze format Header, config, XML, Source, ENVI, BYTEORDER and Expire. They are often associated with pics, received, capture, cross, gelma, free, hdri or oper. Just click the "Choose your .hdr file to view this image" button on this page to find out what your HDR file is.

Technical Data for HDR File Extension

File classification:

Raster Image

Related files:

raw_hdr, exr, webp, jpg, bil, wvf, dg1__ds_dir_hdr, png, jpeg, ldr, img, inx, zip, dhr, hds, ex_, heif, hdf, hd, bl

Mime type:

image/vnd.radiance, application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: GraphicsConverterPro.hdr, FileType: ArcInfo Binary, AppName: GraphicsConverter-reg
EXEFile: GraphicsConverter.exe

ProgramID: ISCAB, FileType: InstallShield Media Header, AppName: InstallShield (R) Cab File Viewer
EXEFile: IsCabVu.exe

ProgramID: TxView.1, FileType: Texture File

ProgramID: ERViewer.HDRFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\EARTHR~1\ERVIEW~1.0E\bin\ERViewer.exe /dde

ProgramID: MayaHDRFile
EXEFile: D:\Maya5.0\bin\imf_disp.exe %1

ProgramID: MayaHDRFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Alias\Maya6.0\bin\imf_disp.exe %1

ProgramID: XnView.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe %1

ProgramID: MayaHDRFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Maya5.0\bin\imf_disp.exe %1

ProgramID: MultitrackStudio.Song
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MtStudio\MtStudio.exe

ProgramID: MayaHDRFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Alias\Maya7.0\bin\imf_disp.exe

ProgramID: DADiSP.Hdr
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\notepad.exe

ProgramID: Photoshop.PortableBitMapFile.10
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\PhootoshopCS\Adobe Photoshop CS3\Photoshop.exe

ProgramID: MyViewPad.hdr
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\My ViewPad\MyViewPad.exe

Show all 13 listings To Top

an hdr image is a special file format by HDRsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with HDR files

Associate the HDR file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open images. Because only the current version supports the latest HDR file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the HDRsoft manufacturer website after an available Photomatix update.
To make sure that your HDR file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .HDR file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.