Adjust the HDR preview display

Last updated on Oct 6, 2026

Learn how to adjust HDR preview settings to view the full tonal range of 32-bpc HDR images on standard monitors without modifying image data in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.

HDR images contain luminance values that exceed the display capabilities of standard monitors. When you open a 32-bpc HDR image in Photoshop, it may appear too dark or washed out because your monitor cannot display the full dynamic range.

Preview adjustments let you view highlights and shadows clearly without changing the actual image data. These settings are stored with PSD, PSB, and TIFF files and are reapplied when the file is reopened.

Preview adjustments don't change the image data. To make actual changes to your 32-bpc HDR image data, use the Exposure adjustment at Image > Adjustments > Exposure.

Adjust preview settings

Select Image > Mode > 32 Bits/Channel.

Select View > 32-bit Preview Options.

Select Exposure and Gamma, to adjust sliders:

  • Exposure: Adjusts brightness.
  • Gamma: Adjusts contrast.

The preview shows detail in both highlights and shadows.

Note

Highlight Compression compresses the highlight values in the HDR image so they fall within the luminance values range of the 8‑ or 16‑bpc image file.

Select OK.

Note

The Highlight Compression method is applied automatically for applicable HDR images and no further adjustments are necessary.

The preview adjustment is saved with the HDR file and is applied whenever you reopen it in Photoshop. You can return to View > 32-Bit Preview Options at any time to readjust these settings.

Adjust preview per document view

From the document status bar, at the bottom of the window, select 32-bit Exposure.
Adobe Photoshop Document status bar pop-up highlighting the selection of 32-bit Exposure option

32-bit Exposure option in document status bar

Adjust the slider to set the white point for viewing the HDR image.

To restore the default exposure setting, double-click the slider.

Preview adjustments made using the status bar slider apply only to the current document view and are not saved with the HDR image file. You can open the same HDR image in multiple windows, each with a different preview adjustment.

The Info panel displays precise 32-bit floating-point values as you move the pointer over the image, helping you evaluate exposure and tonal values while working with HDR images.