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Learn the basics
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Create, open, and import images
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Import files
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Color adjustment and fill layers
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Smart objects
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Create layer compositions
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Resize and adjust resolution
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Resize and adjust resolution
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Make selections
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Automatic and color-based selections
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Refine and modify selections
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Create masks
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Layer masks
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Layer masks
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Repair and retouch
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Remove objects and fill space
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- Retouch tools overview
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Clean and restore images
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Color profiles
- About color profiles
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Choose colors
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Color modes
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- Bit depth in Photoshop
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Color corrections
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- Apply Color Balance adjustment in Photoshop
- Color adjustment basics in Photoshop
- Color adjustment commands
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- Adjust image color and tone
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Selective color adjustments
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HDR and channel manipulation
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- HDR images in Photoshop
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Color profiles
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Apply painting techniques
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Create and fill with patterns
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Draw shapes and paths
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Text and typography
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Effects and filters
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Artistic and stylize filters
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Use grids and measurement guides
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Measure and scale
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Add video and animation
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Create animation frames
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Create animation frames
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Automate tasks
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Save and export
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Save files
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Export files to different formats
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Troubleshoot
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Quick actions
- Blur image backgrounds
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- Woodcut print filter
- Colorize old photographs
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- Select subject in images
- Smooth skin in your images
- Remove JPEG artifacts from images
Convert an HDR image to a lower bit depth
Last updated on
Oct 6, 2026
Learn how to use tone-mapping methods to adjust exposure and contrast when converting 32-bit images to 16 or 8-bit formats in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.
Converting 32-bit HDR images to lower bit depths makes them compatible with more Photoshop tools, filters, and output formats while preserving essential tonal information. This procedure converts an existing 32-bit HDR image to 16-bit or 8-bit format. The conversion applies tone-mapping adjustments that compress the HDR's full dynamic range into the smaller range supported by lower bit depths. For creating HDR images from multiple exposures, you need to merge images to HDR.
Convert bit depth with tone mapping
Select Image > Mode > 16 Bits/Channel or 8 Bits/Channel.
Select a tone-mapping method from the Method menu in HDR Toning dialog box.
Adjust the settings to achieve the desired tonal range and contrast.
Select OK to complete the conversion.
Select the Corner option after inserting a point on the Toning Curve to create angular adjustments between points rather than smooth transitions.
Preserve your original HDR file
Converting to a lower bit depth is permanent once you save and close the file. All HDR image data beyond the capabilities of 16-bit or 8-bit formats will be discarded.
Before converting, select File > Save As to create a copy of your 32-bit HDR image. This preserves the full dynamic range data for future adjustments or alternative conversions. Save the original as PSD, PSB, or TIFF format to maintain all 32-bit information.
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