MergeHDR

MergeHDR finds exposure-bracketed photos in a library and combines approved groups into HDR images. It recognizes three-, five-, and seven-frame brackets using photo metadata such as capture time and exposure values. Before merging, users can choose alignment and one of four deghosting levels; tone-mapping presets can be changed afterward without repeating the merge. The app reads and writes through Apple Photos, and its App Store listing says it can connect to an FTP server to merge camera brackets directly. Supported inputs include Canon CR3, Sony ARW, Nikon NEF, Fujifilm RAF, Olympus ORF, Panasonic RW2, DNG, Apple ProRAW, HEIC, and JPEG. Merged images can be saved at full quality or compressed to HEIC. Processing runs locally and offline, according to the maker, with no account or uploads. Merging and previewing are free, with the first 10 exports free and up to five free exports per day. Unlimited saves cost $9.99/year or $19.99 once. It runs on iOS and macOS; requirements are iOS or iPadOS 18, or macOS 15 or later.

MergeHDR combines bracket detection with controls for alignment, deghosting, and tone mapping. Free merging and previewing make it possible to try the workflow, while unlimited saves require a paid plan.

MergeHDR suits photographers who want to find and merge bracketed photos through Apple Photos, with options for alignment, deghosting, and tone mapping. It is available for iOS and macOS, with free previewing and limited exports.

Overview

MergeHDR is a bracketed-photo merger built around Apple Photos, for photographers who want to turn exposure sequences into HDR images on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Its mix of local processing and adjustable merge controls suits a focused library workflow, though the free export allowance is best treated as a way to assess it before paying for regular use.

The app detects groups of three, five, or seven exposures from metadata such as capture time and exposure values, then waits for approval before merging. It handles up to seven input images, so it is purpose-built for bracketed sets rather than general HDR work. MergeHDR reads and writes through Apple Photos; its App Store listing also says it can connect to an FTP server to merge brackets directly from a camera.

Supported inputs include Canon CR3, Sony ARW, Nikon NEF, Fujifilm RAF, Olympus ORF, Panasonic RW2, DNG, Apple ProRAW, HEIC, and JPEG. Merged images can be saved at full quality or compressed to HEIC, with HEIC and DNG listed as output formats. Tone-mapping presets can be changed without repeating the merge, which makes it easier to compare treatments after the image has been combined.

Key features

Control over the merge

Users choose alignment and one of four deghosting levels. Those adjustments give the workflow room to account for frame shifts or movement, while the approval step keeps detection from automatically changing the library. They are useful controls, though they do not guarantee a clean result from every bracket.

Local processing and photo handling

The maker says detection and processing run locally, work fully offline, and involve no account, app analytics, or uploads; its stated App Store privacy label is Data Not Collected. Originals remain in place by default. If a user chooses to remove them, they go to Photos Recently Deleted for 30 days.

The app uses an on-device export pipeline shared with RAWtoHEIC. For a camera format that does not merge as expected, support invites users to email sample bracket files and camera details, and accepts requests for additional RAW formats.

Pricing

The free tier is enough to inspect the merge workflow and make a small number of exports, but the daily cap and 10-export total limit it as a lasting option. Yearly is the lower initial commitment for someone who wants unlimited saves across Apple devices; its auto-renewal matters for anyone who prefers a one-time purchase. Lifetime costs more upfront but removes the recurring term. Both paid plans include Family Sharing, which can make them more practical for households using the app. A free trial is offered.

Platforms

MergeHDR supports iOS and macOS. The download page requires iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 on iPhone and iPad, and macOS 15 or later on Mac. Its Apple-only reach is a clear constraint for photographers who need a Windows or Linux workflow.

Who it's for

MergeHDR is a good fit for Apple Photos users who already shoot exposure brackets and want to review detected sets before merging them. Its RAW support, alignment and deghosting choices, offline operation, and adjustable tone mapping make it more compelling for photographers who value control and local handling than for someone seeking a broad editing suite. It is a poor fit for libraries outside Apple's platforms or for users who need more than seven frames in a merge.

Pros and cons

• Useful control without a second merge: Alignment and four deghosting levels can be set for the merge, while tone-mapping presets can be switched afterward.
• Broad camera input coverage: The format list spans major camera RAW formats as well as DNG, ProRAW, HEIC, and JPEG.
• Private, offline workflow: Processing runs on-device and does not require an account or network connection.
• Free exports are tightly capped: The first 10 are free, with no more than 5 in a day, so ongoing use requires a paid plan.
• Apple platforms only: The iOS and macOS requirements exclude Windows and Linux users.
• Seven-frame ceiling: Brackets larger than seven images are outside the app's supported input limit.

Alternatives

HDR Software is the broader category directory for comparing HDR tools. Consider ColorForge if platform range and a free plan matter most: it supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, and its free plan requires no account, watermark, or installation. Choose Photomatix Pro if its paid desktop and API options better fit your workflow; its Photomatix API & CLI plan is $19 a month for HDR merge developer tools.

Instant Meshes is another alternative. PhotomatixCL may suit users comparing paid command-line plans: Lite is $19 a month and includes 1,000 monthly credits for a single system. SNS-HDR is another option for macOS and Windows. For free and open-source desktop software, consider HDRMerge or Luminance HDR. easyHDR offers HOME and COMMERCIAL license tiers with custom pricing.

Verdict

Choose MergeHDR if you work in Apple Photos, shoot bracketed sets of up to seven frames, and want local processing with meaningful merge and tone-mapping choices. The chief reason to look elsewhere is its narrow platform and workflow scope; photographers who need Windows or Linux support, broader HDR editing, or larger brackets should compare other tools.