ColorForge

ColorForge is a browser-based RAW and HDR photo editor that processes images on the device. It supports camera RAW files including CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF, ORF, and RW2, with controls for exposure, tone curves, HSL color, LUTs, and presets. For HDR editing, it combines bracketed exposures, including RAW brackets, with GPU processing and provides multiple tone-mapping controls. Exports retain full native sensor resolution and are available as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF without watermarks; HDR output also includes 16-bit TIFF. ColorForge says photos stay local and are never uploaded to its servers. Once the web app has loaded in the browser cache, editing can continue offline. No account is needed for editing, RAW decoding, HDR merging, or export. Custom presets go to account storage when signed in, or browser storage when signed out. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari are listed as supported browsers. The browser editor works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, and listed platforms also include iOS and Android. The Free plan costs nothing.

ColorForge combines RAW controls, HDR merging, and full-resolution exports in a browser editor. Its account-free core features and locally processed photos are useful distinctions, while preset storage depends on sign-in status.

ColorForge suits photographers who want browser-based RAW and HDR editing across supported platforms, with local image processing and no account required for core editing and export.

ColorForge suits photographers who want to develop RAW files and merge exposure brackets without installing an editor. Its no-account workflow and full-resolution, watermark-free exports make it a practical free option; its focus is firmly on RAW and HDR work.

Overview

ColorForge runs in a browser and supports camera RAW formats including CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, DNG, RAF, ORF and RW2. Exposure controls, tone curves, HSL adjustments, LUTs and presets give users several ways to shape an image, rather than limiting the experience to assembling HDR brackets.

The maker says photos are processed on the device and never uploaded to its servers. Editing, RAW decoding, HDR merging and exporting do not require an account. The trade-off is that custom presets stay in local browser storage when signed out; signing in saves them to an account database.

Key features

RAW development and HDR merging

ColorForge merges multiple bracketed exposures, including RAW brackets, with GPU processing. Both HDR merge modes and multiple tone-mapping controls give users options for building and shaping an HDR image. The combination is useful for photographers whose work centers on RAW development and brackets, but the stated tools do not make it a general-purpose photo-editing suite.

Exports and offline use

The RAW editor exports at full native sensor resolution to JPEG, PNG or TIFF, with no watermarks. HDR output formats include JPEG, PNG and 16-bit TIFF, a useful option for workflows that need greater tonal depth. The editor can continue working offline after it has loaded into the browser cache, but that does not remove the need for a supported browser or an initial load.

Browser access and support

Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari are supported modern browsers. The maker says the browser editor works on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS, and the supported-platform list also includes iOS and Android. Users can submit feedback tickets and feature ideas, though creating a ticket requires Google sign-in.

Pricing

ColorForge has one plan: Free: free. It includes editing, RAW decoding, HDR merging and exports without an account, watermarks or installation. There is no free trial because the product is free.

For an individual or small team that needs the stated RAW and HDR workflow, the free plan removes the usual account and watermark barriers. There are no listed paid tiers or seat limits; users who need preset settings to follow them across browsers should sign in, since signed-out presets are kept in local browser storage.

Platforms

ColorForge is a browser editor, not an installation-based desktop app. It supports Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari, and the maker identifies Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS for browser use. The supported-platform list also names iOS and Android, so mobile users may consider it, though the product remains browser-based.

Who it's for

ColorForge is best suited to photographers who work with camera RAW files, combine exposure brackets or want full-resolution exports without a watermark. Its local processing and optional account make it a sensible choice for people who prefer to keep their photos on their device and avoid signing up.

Look elsewhere if your priority is a wider photo-editing toolset, or if your workflow depends on account-synced presets without signing in. Users who need to create support tickets should also be prepared to use Google sign-in.

Pros and cons

• Pros: RAW support spans eight named camera formats, including CR3 and DNG, so users working across several camera systems have broad format coverage.
• Pros: HDR merging includes RAW brackets, both merge modes and multiple tone-mapping controls, giving HDR-focused photographers meaningful workflow options.
• Pros: Full native sensor resolution, JPEG, PNG and TIFF exports, and no watermarks keep the free RAW workflow from imposing an export penalty.
• Pros: Editing and image processing do not require an account, and the maker says photos stay on the device.
• Cons: Presets saved while signed out remain in local browser storage, rather than the account database used when signed in.
• Cons: Browser access depends on a supported modern browser; offline use is possible only after the web app has loaded in the cache.
• Cons: The stated feature set centers on RAW development and HDR, so users seeking a broader photo editor may need a different tool.

Alternatives

For a different HDR workflow, these alternatives cover desktop, mobile and developer-tool options:

• Photomatix Pro is worth considering if you want a paid HDR product with a free trial; its listed platforms include Windows and macOS as well as web, Linux, iOS and API access.
• MergeHDR may suit iOS or macOS users who want to try merging and previewing before paying; its free plan covers the first 10 exports, up to 5 per day.
• PhotomatixCL is a paid option for Linux, macOS or Windows users who want a credit-based plan, with Lite offering 1,000 credits monthly on a single system.
• SNS-HDR is another freemium option for Windows and macOS.
• HDRMerge is a free, GPL-3.0-or-later desktop alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Luminance HDR is free and open-source HDR imaging software for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• easyHDR offers single-user home and commercial plans for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• HDR Merge Master is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Browse more options in HDR Software.

Verdict

Choose ColorForge if you want a free browser workflow for RAW development and HDR merging, especially when no-account editing, local processing and full-resolution exports matter. Look elsewhere if you need a broader editing suite or rely on signed-out presets being available across browsers.