Merge photos into an HDR image

Last updated on Oct 6, 2026

Learn how to combine multiple exposures using Merge to HDR Pro to capture the full dynamic range of a scene in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.

Merging multiple exposures into a single HDR image preserves detail in both highlights and shadows that would be lost in a standard photograph.

Use Merge to HDR Pro when you have multiple photographs of the same scene captured at different exposures. This workflow combines those exposures into a single HDR image that captures the full dynamic range. You can output the result as a 32-bit file that stores the complete HDR data, or as a 16-bit or 8-bit file with tone-mapping applied. To adjust existing 32-bit HDR images, use the Exposure adjustment or HDR Toning command instead.

At least three photos of the same scene at different exposures (minimum: one underexposed, one properly exposed, one overexposed)
Photos should differ by 1–2 EV (exposure value) steps
Images captured with consistent settings (same focal length, aperture, and ISO when possible)
Tripod-mounted shots recommended for best alignment results

Launch Merge to HDR Pro and select source images

Select File > Automate > Merge To HDR Pro. Alternatively, select your source images in Bridge and choose Tools > Photoshop > Merge To HDR Pro.

Select Browse to locate and select specific images or Add Open Files to use existing images.

Select Attempt To Automatically Align Source Images if your images are not aligned.

Select OK to process the source images.

If your source images lack exposure metadata, Photoshop displays the Manually Set EV dialog box. Enter the exposure value for each image, then select OK.

After processing, a second Merge To HDR Pro dialog box displays thumbnails of your source images and a preview of the merged result.

Configure output settings and apply tone mapping

Select a bit depth from the menu: 32 bit, 16 bit, or 8 bit.

For 32-bit output, move the white point slider below the histogram to adjust the preview brightness. This adjustment affects only the preview display; all HDR data remains in the file.

For 16-bit or 8-bit output, select a tone-mapping method from the Method menu and adjust its settings.

Select Remove Ghosts if your source images contain moving objects like people, cars, or foliage. Photoshop displays a green outline around the base image thumbnail.

Select OK to create the merged HDR image.

To save your tone-mapping settings for future use, select Preset > Save Preset. To reapply saved settings, choose Load Preset.

Remove ghost artifacts from moving objects

If your source images contain different content due to moving objects, select Remove Ghosts in the Merge To HDR Pro dialog box.

If movement occurs in very light or dark areas, select a different thumbnail where the moving objects are better exposed to improve results.

Work with camera response curves

Camera response curves define how camera sensors interpret different levels of incoming light. By default, Merge to HDR Pro calculates a response curve automatically based on your source images. You can save this curve and apply it to other HDR merges:

In the upper-right corner of the Merge to HDR Pro dialog box, select the response curve menu and choose Save Response Curve.
To apply a saved curve to a new merge, choose Load Response Curve from the same menu.

The 32-bit preview adjustment is stored in the HDR file and applied whenever you open the file in Photoshop. To readjust the white point preview for an existing HDR image, select View > 32-Bit Preview Options.

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