AniSmall
AniSmall - Video Convert & Resize
High-speed video & audio conversion
OPEN
9 Best Ways You Should Know to Convert SDR to HDR
Easy Step-by-step Guide Convert SDR to HDR
  • Locate Quick Access on the left panel and click on “Converter.”
  • Add the SDR file you need to convert.
  • Choose settings of color sapce and start HDR conversion.
app store btn

9 Best Ways You Should Know to Convert SDR to HDR

Julia Becker
Julia Becker Originally published Apr 03, 25, updated Apr 16, 25

If you have ever compared SDR vs. HDR video quality, you already know that these two formats differ greatly. SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) is limited in brightness, contrast, and color depth, while HDR (High Dynamic Range) offers cinematic visuals, deeper shadows, and richer tones.

However, things become difficult when you already have SDR content and want to enjoy that HDR brilliance without shooting everything again. In such cases, SDR to HDR conversion tools come in handy. Whether you are a creator wanting better visuals or just someone who wants to upscale old footage, check out the 9 powerful tools from this Uniconverter guide and effortlessly transfer SDR videos into stunning GDR content.

In this article
  1. HDR & SDR: Definition & Comparison
  2. SDR to HDR: Solving Compatibility & Visual Quality Issues
  3. Best Ways to Convert SDR to HDR on a PC
  4. Recommended Tools to Convert SDR to HDR Online
  5. Method to Convert SDR to HDR on Mobile (Android or iOS)
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

Part 1. HDR & SDR: Definition & Comparison

    Before discussing different methods to convert SDR into HDR media files, it is essential to understand what these two signals mean and why filmmakers prefer HDR for modern displays and content creation.

    Standard Dynamic Range: SDR refers to the traditional format used for decades in TVs, monitors, and content. It supports limited brightness and color range, which is typically capped at 100 nits brightness and 8-bit color.

    High Dynamic Range: HDR is designed for modern liquid retina displays where users demand deeper contrast, brighter highlights, darker shadows, and a wider color gamut.

    Here’s a quick comparison between these signals, depicting which is better for you:

    Feature

    SDR (Standard Dynamic Range)

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Brightness

    Up to 100 nits

    Up to 1000-4000+ nits

    Color Depth

    8-bit (16.7 million colors)

    10-bit or 12-bit (1+ billion colors)

    Color Gamut

    Rec. 709 (limited color range)

    Rec. 2020, DCI-P3 (wider and richer color range)

    Contrast Ratio

    Lower contrast

    High contrast with better detail in dark/light areas

    Visual Experience

    Flat or duller visuals

    Lifelike, immersive, more cinematic

    Display Compatibility

    Compatible with all traditional displays

    Requires HDR-compatible display for full effect

    Part 2: SDR to HDR: Solving Compatibility & Visual Quality Issues

    As a content creator or a filmmaker, you will need to understand that converting SDR to HDR is not just about chasing better visuals; rather, it has become necessary when it comes to cross-platform sharing or professional-grade content consistency. Here are a few reasons why you need to find ways and put efforts into converting SDR to HDR:

    • Inconsistent Playback Across Platforms

    Apple iPhone 15 Pro or later usually records videos in HLG format, which may appear washed when they are uploaded on TikTok or Instagram. Enhancing your media files from SDR to HDR ensures a more uniform viewing experience.

    • Color Inconsistencies from Cameras

    Devices like GoPro, Sony (S-Log2), or DJI (D-Log) capture footage in log formats intended for color grading. Converting the log files into HDR post-editing will help retain dynamic range while restoring color depth.

    • Creative Control & Enhancement

    The high dynamic range allows creators to fine-tune light and color, which has now become ideal for filmmakers, YouTubers, and digital storytellers who want to upload video or image files in the best possible format.

    Part 3: Best Ways to Convert SDR to HDR on a PC

    If you are working on a desktop or laptop and need to convert SDR to HDR, then you can rely on multiple advanced video editing software that often comes with AI capabilities. Here are a few highly recommended tools for SDR vs HDR conversion:

    1.Wondershare UniConverter

    Uniconverter-homepage.jpg

    UniConverter is a user-friendly tool for converting SDR to HDR in just a few clicks. This all-in-one conversion tool is powered by advanced encoding and AI-assisted enhancement, which supports different formats and gives users flexibility with resolution, bitrate, and color correction.

    uniconverter video converter

    Easy to Use Versatile SDR to HDR Converter

    Easily convert SDR to HDR with multiple choices of video formats.

    Pros & Cons of Uniconverter

    Pros
    • Clean UI with easy navigation
    • It can easily handle 4K, 8K, and HDR files
    • Batch processing for faster workflows
    • Built-in editing options (trim, crop, color enhance)
    Cons
    • Basic editing knowledge is recommended if you want to go in-depth into this tool.
    • It's not ideal for advanced HDR grading.

    How to Use UniConverter for SDR to HDR Conversion?

    Here is a step-by-step guide illustrating how easy and effective it is to convert an SDR file into HDR with just a few clicks:

    Step 1

    Begin by downloading and installing Wondershare UniConverter from its official website. Navigate to the "Converter" tool located in the "Quick Access" section on the homepage.

    wondershare uniconverter sdr to hdr conversion

    Step 2

    Upload your HDR file(s) either by clicking "+Add File/Folder" or dragging and dropping them into the interface.Select your desired output format, then click the settings icon to adjust the color space.

    uniconverter choose conversion

    Step 3

    Choose the HDR options for optimal results, then click "Convert" and save your file once the process is complete.

    uniconverter conversion to hdr

    Just by following these small steps, you can easily convert your SDR to HDR.

    2. DaVinchi Resolve

    DaVinchiResolve home

    DaVinci Resolve is for creators who seek full control over their media. This advanced-level editing tool is free to use and offers deep color-grading features. It also includes manual HDR enhancement using custom tone maps and wide-gamut support.

    Pros & Cons of DaVinchi Resolve

    Pros
    • This tool provides industry-level color grading and HDR workflow
    • The free version comes with powerful tools
    • It also supports custom LUTs and wide color gamut support
    Cons
    • The tool is highly technical and requires extensive learning.
    • It requires a good GPU and high RAM for smooth performance.

    How to Use DaVinci Resolve to Convert SDR to HDR?

    Check out the following steps in order to use DaVinci Resolve to convert the file from SDR to HDR:

    Step 1

    Open DaVinci Resolve in your system and start a new project and import your SDR video or image file and add it to the timeline that you see at the bottom.

    davinci sdr to hdr step1

    Step 2

    Go to the “ColGrading Panel.”. In the “HDR Grading Panel,” you can adjust exposure, saturation, and color wheels for HDR tone mapping.

    davinci sdr to hdr step2

    Step 3

    You can further choose an HDR-compatible format like H.265 10-bit. Once done, easily export your video.

    3.HitPaw Video Enhancer

    Hitpaw homepage

    HitPaw Video Enhancer (formerly HitPaw VikPea) is designed to use AI models to convert SDR to HDR with minimal manual input. The conversion tool is designed for users who want fast, automated results without getting into too many technicalities that other tools like DaVinci Resolve offer.

    Pros & Cons of HitPaw

    Pros
    • It is AI-powered and requires minimal user effort.
    • It offers a clean interface, which is suitable for beginners
    • It also has batch conversion.
    Cons
    • You will get a watermark in free exported files.
    • It has limited editing and customization options.

    Guide to Use HitPaw Video Enhancer to Convert SDR to HDR

    Step 1

    Begin by downloading HitPaw VikPea from its official website.After installation, import your video by selecting "Choose File" or simply dragging and dropping it. The software supports over 30 formats, such as MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, and M4V.

    hitpaw step1

    Step 2

    After uploading your file, choose the Detail Recovery Model and start conversion.

    hitpaw step2

    Step 3

    Preview the enhanced HDR video before finalizing. If satisfied, click "Export" to save your upgraded file.

    hitpaw step3

    uniconverter video converter

    Easy to Use Versatile SDR to HDR Converter

    Easily convert SDR to HDR with multiple choices of video formats.

    Part 4: Recommended Tools to Convert SDR to HDR Online

    If you are someone who does not wish to install any software to convert SDR to HDR, then you might be looking for ways to convert SDR to HDR online. Here are three efficient online tools to get the job done:

    1. Clideo

    Clideo homepage

    Clideo offers a browser-based video enhancer with a handful of editing tools. Users can adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. The enhancer can mimic an HDR-like effect for quick social media sharing.

    Pros & Cons of Clideo

    Pros
    • It is 100% online and does not require any download.
    • It has a beginner-friendly interface.
    Cons
    • It does not offer any true HDR encoding (no Dolby Vision, no HDR10)
    • It supports limited file size in the free version

    How to use Clideo Video Enhancer to Convert SDR to HDR?

    Step 1

    Go to the Clideo Video Enhancer’s official website and upload your SDR video from your system.

    clideo online file convertor

    Step 2

    Once the video is uploaded, adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation using the sliders.
     sdr to hdr conversion with clideo

    Step 3

    Once you are satisfied with the result, you can export to download offline.

    clideo file export

    2. Convertio

    Convertio homepage

    Convertio is yet another web-based tool that offers SDR to HDR conversion. While it doesn’t offer full HDR grading, it’s useful for re-encoding SDR files into HDR-friendly containers.

    Pros & Cons of Convertio

    Pros
    • It offers an easy drag-and-drop interface.
    • It offers multiple export options.
    Cons
    • No AI or tone mapping is available in this tool..
    • It does not offer a true SDR to HDR video as it can only convert images.

    How to Use Convertio to Convert SDR to HDR?

    Step 1

    Head to Convertio’s official website and upload your SDR image file.

    converio online file convertor

    Step 2

    From the drop-down menu, choose the output as HDR.
    converio online file convertor

    Step 3

    Once selected, click “Convert” and download the file once completed.

    converio online file convertor

    3. HDConvert

    HDconvert homepage

    HDConvert is a cloud-based HDR upscaling tool that supports multiple formats and HEVC codings. The tool offers both free and premium options for converting SDR to HDR files.

    Pros & Cons of Convertio

    Pros
    • It supports 4K and 10-bit export options.
    • It offers a clean interface.
    Cons
    • You will get a watermark in the exported version.
    • It requires high-speed internet connectivity to upload and convert a file.

    How to Use HDConvert for SDR to HDR?

    Here are the generic steps that you need to follow in order to convert the SDR file to HDR:

    Step 1

    Head over to the HDConvert.com website and click on the “Convert Video Right Now” option. This will open a small panel. To add a file, click on “+Add New Files.”

    hdconvert.com file conversion

    Step 2

    From the next window, you can select the quality level. Go ahead with Ultra HD 4K or Full HD 1080p if you have a premium account. Otherwise, you can even choose the HD 720p form here and click on the "Next" button.


    sdr to hdr hdconverter stpe3

    Step 3

    In the last panel, select the "FREE" version to convert the file from SDR to HDR.

    sdrto hdr hdconverter step 4

    uniconverter video converter

    Easy to Use Versatile SDR to HDR Converter

    Easily convert SDR to HDR with multiple choices of video formats.

    Part 5: Method to Convert SDR to HDR on Mobile (Android or iOS)

    With the right mobile application, you can easily convert SDR to HDR. Whether you are editing travel reels, GoPro footage, or cinematic mobile videos, the mobile applications offer powerful HDR upscaling and tone mapping.

    1. CapCut(Android/iOS)

    Capcut homepage

    CapCut is a widely used mobile video editor that offers built-in HDR filters and effects. While it doesn’t technically encode HDR10, you can see it convert your files to look like HDR converted.

    Pros & Cons of Capcut

    Pros
    • It is free and easy to use.
    • It offers multiple HDR-style filters.
    Cons
    • It does not export true HDR formats.
    • CapCut is banned in several countries.

    How to Use CapCut to Convert SDR to HDR?

    Here are generic steps to convert SDR to HDR files in CapCut:

    Step 1

    Open CapCut on your Android or iOS device to start a new project.Directly import your SDR video

    sdr to hdr capcut step 1

    Step 2

    In the CapCut tool, go to “Filters” and select Effects. From here, you can apply HDR-style filters.Once satisfied, you can export your converted video in the desired quality.

    sdr to hdr capcut step 2

    2. VN Video Editor(Andorid & iOS)

    Vlognowme homepage

    The VN video editor is considered the best alternative to CapCut for all the right reasons. In it, you can simulate HDR by adjusting exposure, saturation, shadows, and highlights.

    Pros & Cons of VN Video Editor

    Pros
    • It offers manual toning and color grading.
    • There are no watermarks in the exported version.
    Cons
    • It does not offer HDR encoding.
    • It may require manual tweaking for the best results.

    How to Use VPN to Convert SDR to HDR?

    Here are quick and easy steps for you to follow in order to convert the files from SDR to HDR:

    Step 1

    Launch the VN video editor on your smartphone to start a new project. Import your SDR video.

     vn video editor for file conversion

    Step 2

    From the tap filter, you can adjust and tweak exposure, contrast, shadows, and more.

    Step 3

    Once done, you can export the video in the highest quality available.

    vn video editor color filters

    3. InShot (Android & iOS)

    Inshot homepage

    InShot is one of the most used mobile applications for video editing. From color correction to masking, this tool offers different features that can boost your SDR content's HDR-like boost.

    Pros & Cons of VN Video Editor

    Pros
    • The tool has an intuitive UI that offers real-time preview.
    • It supports a 4K 120p export option, even for non-pro users.
    Cons
    • True HDR output is not supported.
    • You need to watch advertisements every time you export a media file.

    How to Use InShort to Convert SDR to HDR?

    Check the simple steps to convert SDR to HDR file format:

    Step 1

    Launch InShot on your device and create a new video project. Once launched, import your SDR files.

     inshot video editor download

    Step 2

    Use the “Adjust” panel from the “Filter” to tweak brightness, contrast, and saturation.

     sdr to hdr conversion in inshot app

    Step 3

    Once you are satisfied with the file, you can click on sharing icon on the top-right to export it.

    export inshot files for free

    Conclusion

    Whether you are a content creator striving for cinematic perfection or simply looking to future-proof your old footage, converting SDR to HDR opens up a new level of visual richness. From powerful desktop editors like DaVinci Resolve and Wondershare UniConverter to quick mobile and online tools that offer HDR-like enhancements, there’s a solution for every skill level and workflow. That being said, if you want a balanced blend of ease, speed, and professional output, you can always download Wondershare UniConverter to see how this powerful tool stands out.

    uniconverter video converter

    Easy to Use Versatile SDR to HDR Converter

    Easily convert SDR to HDR with multiple choices of video formats.

    FAQs

    • 1. Can SDR be converted to HDR?
      SDR can be converted to HDR using tools like WonderShare UniConverter, DaVinci Resolve, or AI-based enhancers. The process involves tone mapping, color grading, and brightness adjustments to mimic or match HDR visuals.
    • 2. Is HDR really better than SDR?
      Yes, HDR offers a wider dynamic range, better contrast, deeper blacks, and richer colors. It delivers a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience, especially on HDR-compatible displays.
    • 3. Is 4K SDR better than 1080p HDR?
      Actually, it depends on the context. 4K SDR has more resolution, but 1080p HDR may offer better visual depth and dynamic range. Ideally, 4K HDR combines the best of both.
    • 4. Why does HDR look darker than SDR?
      HDR may appear darker if the display or app doesn’t process it correctly. It’s designed to show deeper shadows and brighter highlights, but poor tone mapping can throw off balance.
    Julia Becker
    Julia Becker Apr 16, 25
    Share article: