Simulated HDR Effect on an Image
Simulate an HDR (high dynamic range) look on a regular photo by boosting local detail contrast, in a simplified tone-mapping approach. Adjust the enhancement intensity and the detail analysis radius.
How it works
The tool computes a blurred version of the image brightness and compares each pixel to this local average: the difference (the "detail") is amplified and fed back into the image, which increases local contrast without changing the overall contrast. A slight compression of highlights and shadows completes the effect to evoke the distinctive look of true HDR photos merged from multiple exposures.
Does this tool recreate true HDR from multiple photos?
No, a genuine HDR merges several exposures of the same scene (dark, normal, bright) to capture a wider dynamic range. Here, only a single image is used: the effect merely simulates the visual appearance of HDR tone-mapping (pronounced local contrast), not the recovery of details actually lost in over- or underexposure.
Why increase the detail analysis radius?
A small radius enhances fine details and subtle textures (foliage, brick, fabric), while a larger radius enhances contrast transitions at a larger scale, such as building silhouettes or shadow/light areas.
The local contrast calculation relies on a blur and a pixel-by-pixel comparison performed in your browser: your photo is never sent to a server.