FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask before and after buying MergeHDR — privacy, supported cameras, how detection and merging work, and pricing. Still stuck? Contact support.
Does MergeHDR upload my photos?
No. Detection, merging and export all run on your device — Mac, iPhone or iPad. Nothing is uploaded, and there's no account or server involved.
Which cameras and RAW formats are supported?
Canon CR3, Sony ARW, Nikon NEF, Fuji RAF, Olympus ORF, Panasonic RW2, DNG, Apple ProRAW, plus HEIC and JPEG brackets — including drone RAW files.
How does automatic bracket detection work?
MergeHDR reads EXIF data as photos are added to your library, groups frames shot seconds apart at different exposure values, and flags 3-, 5- or 7-frame sets as brackets ready to merge.
Can I adjust how a merge looks?
Yes — alignment on or off, four deghosting levels for moving subjects, and tone-mapping style presets you can switch without re-merging.
What's the RAWtoHEIC integration?
MergeHDR shares its export pipeline with our other app, RAWtoHEIC (opens in a new tab), so a merged HDR result can be compressed straight to a space-saving HEIC file on export.
Will it delete my original brackets?
Only if you ask, and always with confirmation. Removed originals sit in Recently Deleted for 30 days before they are gone for good.
One-time purchase or subscription?
Your choice. MergeHDR is free to try; unlimited saves unlock with a one-time $19.99 purchase or a $9.99/year plan — both unlock exactly the same thing, and the lifetime option just never renews. One purchase covers iPhone, iPad and Mac, with Family Sharing. See the pricing page for the full breakdown.
Do handheld brackets work, or do I need a tripod?
Handheld works. Auto-alignment corrects camera movement between frames; a tripod helps in low light or with moving subjects, but isn't required.
What about refunds and Family Sharing?
Refunds go through Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com or from the App Store on your device. Family Sharing lets everyone in your family group use the same purchase.
How many photos does a bracket set need?
MergeHDR recognizes 3-, 5- and 7-frame exposure brackets — the common AEB counts most cameras and phones shoot.
Does one purchase cover iPhone, iPad and Mac?
Yes. It's a Universal Purchase — buy once and it's unlocked on every Apple device you sign in with, with Family Sharing on top.
What if MergeHDR flags a set that isn't actually a bracket?
You always review before merging. If a detected set isn't really a bracket, just skip it — nothing merges or deletes without your approval.
Ready to merge your first bracket set?
One-time purchase, on-device by design. Universal Purchase across iPhone, iPad and Mac, with Family Sharing.