Google has added HDR editing to Photos, enabling users to preserve HDR detail and metadata when making changes using machine learning-based photo editing tools.
Key Features and Changes
- HDR Edits with ML Tools: Photos taken in HDR now retain full image depth and metadata, even when edited with tools like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, or Portrait Light.
- New “Ultra HDR” Tool: This tool allows users to fine-tune image brightness while preserving HDR quality, offering more control over contrast, highlights, and overall visual impact.
- Renamed Tool: The previous “HDR” editing option has been renamed to “Tone” to better reflect its role in photo adjustments.
- SDR to HDR Enhancement: Users can now upgrade standard dynamic range (SDR) photos to HDR, enhancing brightness, depth, and clarity—especially noticeable on modern HDR-capable displays.
Availability
While Google hasn’t confirmed whether the rollout is part of an app update or a server-side change, the features appear to be gradually going live for supported Google Photos users.