Tips to open HDR file

Can't open the HDR file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open HDR files as well as a list of programs that support HDR files.

HDR file extension

File Name High Dynamic Range Image Format
File Developer HDRsoft
File Category Raster Image Files

The HDR file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the HDR files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the HDR file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is HDR file?

The HDR file has been categorized as Raster Image Files. It was designed by HDRsoft. In addition to this file, the Raster Image Files category includes 522 related files. High Dynamic Range Image Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. These systems consist of Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. There are also 5 alternative programs to handle the HDR file. You can use Adobe Photoshop, ACDSee, GraphicConverter in case Photomatix cannot be used.

How to open HDR file?

The most common problem when using High Dynamic Range Image Format is that a specific HDR is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that HDR files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the HDR file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Photomatix

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Photomatix is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Photomatix in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open HDR files.

Step 2. Create association of Photomatix with HDR files

If, despite the installed application, the HDR file does not start in the Photomatix application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the HDR file with the Photomatix application.

Step 3. Update Photomatix to the latest version

If, however, after binding Photomatix with High Dynamic Range Image Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the HDR file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

The HDR file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the HDR file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the HDR file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected HDR files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the HDR file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged HDR files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted HDR files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the HDR file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the HDR file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.