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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.
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9 Best Ways You Should Know to Convert SDR to HDR

Viraj Mahajan
Viraj Mahajan Originally published Apr 03, 25, updated Dec 24, 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)

    Co; max-width: initial; margin-top: 30px;">

    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.
    Convert SDR to HDR Now Convert SDR to HDR ui9 14.UIeft">

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      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, ifg/2000/svg">

      • It is AI-powered and requires minimal user effort.
      • It offers a clean interface, which is suitable for beginners
      • It also has batch conversion.
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