Standard Photo to Ultra HDR Photo Made Easy: Google Photos Rolls Out new Image Conversion Feature

Ultra HDR is an impressive image format that enhances visual quality much like traditional HDR by embedding more image data into a file. This results in brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and richer colors. What sets Ultra HDR apart, though, is its ability to include a standard dynamic range (SDR) version of the same image within the same file. This means even if someone views the image on a non-HDR display, it will still appear normally, offering wide compatibility without sacrificing the benefits of HDR for those with supported screens.

However, it’s important to note that displaying an Ultra HDR photo on a non-HDR device is not the same as converting an SDR image into an HDR one. Until recently, enhancing images from SDR to HDR was a more technical process, often requiring specific equipment or software. Generally, if you wanted your photos to feature high dynamic range, you had to shoot them in HDR from the beginning. That’s starting to change now, thanks to an update from Google Photos.

Google is introducing a new feature in its Photos app that lets users convert their current SDR photographs to Ultra HDR format, according to Android Authority. This capability is being gradually rolled out and requires both the right app version and a server-side update from Google. Specifically, you need to have Google Photos version 7.24.0.747539053 or higher, but even then, the feature won’t show up unless Google has enabled it for your device on their end. So if you’re up-to-date but don’t see it yet, a bit of patience may be required as the rollout continues.

Once available, using the feature is simple. Open a photo in Google Photos, tap on Edit to enter the editor, scroll through the editing tools, and under the Adjust section, you’ll find the new “Ultra HDR” option. This takes the place of the previous “HDR Effect” tool and allows for quick enhancement of images. Curiously, there are situations where using the Ultra HDR effect could make the original file smaller. That’s because the HDR data, referred to as a gain map, occupies less space than the full image itself. Still, if preserving the original is important, consider keeping a copy, even if it means using a bit more storage.