Edit and share HDR images (and videos) with Pixelmator Pro 3.5 Flare
TO CAPTURE MORE detail in shadows and highlights, your iPhone can shoot HDR (High Dynamic Range) images by automatically combining a series of rapidly shot exposures into a single Raw or JPEG image. This HDR format also produces photos boasting more color and tonal information than SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) images can.
You can view and edit HDR shots within the Photos app on your iPhone’s Retina display but, thanks to the latest version of Pixelmator Pro, you can edit an iPhone– sourced HDR photo from the comfort of your Mac’s larger display (though older Macs may not support working in HDR). Pixelmator Pro 3.5’s new HDR tools enable you to produce more vibrant–looking colors while teasing out more detail in shadows and highlights. You can then share edited HDR Raw files as lighter, easily shareable HDR JPEGs that will look great in a social media feed on an HDR–compatible display.
The app also offers support to HDR video clips (shot in ProRes), giving you access to a wider suite of video–grading tools than you’ll find in iMovie.
QUICK LOOK The Pixelmator Pro HDR workspace
HOW TO Edit and share HDR clips and stills
On a Mac that supports HDR (such as a new MacBook Air), go to Pixelmator Pro > Settings. Click Load HDR Content. The HDR button will now be clickable, enabling you to work with more color and tones.
Go to File > Open, and select an HDR image. We used an iPhone–sourced image shot in Apple ProRAW to ensure that the image has a high dynamic range. Make sure the HDR button is toggled on to see the wider tonal range.
Press “A” on your Mac’s keyboard for Color Adjustments. The subject is in contrasting lighting so some details are lost in shadow. Here, we’ve brightened the Exposure by 70% and selectively lightened the
