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Transform Your Videos: A Beginner's Guide to HDR Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro

Updated: Jun 30

Introduction to HDR Video Editing

Let's dive into the colorful and incredibly detailed world of HDR (High Dynamic Range) video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro! If you’re new to HDR and eager to elevate your videos, you’re in the right place. We’re going to break down HDR in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to work with.

Premiere Pro Logo - Fixing HDR Problems - Distorted background graphic
Premiere Pro HDR Problems - Fixed

What's the Deal with HDR in Premiere Pro?

So, HDR video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro? Yeah, it’s a pretty big deal. HDR lets you ramp up the depth, detail, and color in your videos like nothing else. If you're using Premiere Pro version 23.2 or later, you're in luck—it’s packed with fixes, optimizations, and some awesome new features. The standout? Automatic tone mapping for HDR media. Trust me, that's a game-changer.


Do You Need Special Gear for HDR Editing?

Yep, you bet. Editing HDR content isn't just about the software; you need the right hardware too. Here’s the lowdown:


Your screen needs to support HDR to show the high dynamic range colors properly.

Your video card needs to output HDR video.

Make sure you’re running Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 or later.

If you’re stuck, there are tons of resources online, and YouTube guides are gold. I’ve got a fixing HDR problems guide on YouTube you can check out.


Understanding the Basics of HDR in Video Editing

Premiere Pro preferences - Color - Display Color Settings - Checked Display Color Management and Extended Dynamic Range Monitoring
Premiere Pro Display Color Settings

Alright, let's get into what HDR actually brings to the table. HDR video editing is all about making your footage look more vibrant and lifelike. Imagine more colors, better contrast, and a depth that makes your footage pop off the screen. Sounds pretty awesome, right?


Compared to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), HDR offers a wider color gamut and a higher contrast ratio. This basically means you’ll get more details in the darkest and brightest parts of your image.


Getting Set Up in Premiere Pro

The first thing you need to do is set up Premiere Pro correctly. Trust me, it’ll save you a headache or two down the road. Here's a quick how-to:


Configuring Premiere Pro

Before you start editing, you need to tweak some settings. Head over to the color workspace and make sure your project settings are configured for HDR. This ensures you maintain the quality and integrity of your HDR footage throughout your workflow.


Importing and Managing HDR Footage

Now, let’s talk about getting your HDR footage into Premiere Pro. Whether you’re shooting on an iPhone, a high-end professional camera, or using Apple ProRes, you need to know how to handle those files correctly. Import your footage like usual, but pay close attention to the settings to make sure you're preserving the HDR quality.


Color Correction and Tone Mapping in HDR

Premiere Pro Sequence Settings - Working COlor Space options and auto tone mapping setting checked
Adjusting Working Color Space under Sequence Settings

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Color correction and tone mapping can take your HDR footage from "meh" to "whoa!" Use the Lumetri Color panel in Premiere Pro to tweak your colors. Tone mapping will help you adjust your HDR footage to look consistent across different displays, both HDR and SDR.


Setting Up HDR Displays for Accurate Editing

If you want your edits to look exactly how you intend them to, you’ve got to calibrate your HDR display. This ensures the colors and brightness levels you see are true to your footage. Check your display settings and make sure everything’s dialed in correctly.


Exporting HDR Content

When it comes time to export your masterpiece, you’ve got to get the settings right to maintain that HDR goodness. Choose the right format—like HDR10 or Dolby Vision—and make sure your export settings match your project's color space and dynamic range.


Extra Tips for Nailing HDR Video Editing

Want to really up your game? Here’s a couple of extra tips to keep in mind:


Understanding HDR metadata is a big help for color correction and tone mapping. It’s all about knowing how to interpret the dynamic range and color space of your footage.

HDR editing is a journey. The more you play around, the better you’ll get. Stay curious and keep pushing your creative boundaries.

Final Thoughts

Premiere Pro Export - Preset Manager - HEVC Match Source PQ selected
Finding the proper export preset

Diving into HDR video editing can seem a bit daunting at first, but it's totally worth it. The enhanced colors and details you get will make your videos stand out. With a bit of practice and a lot of experimenting, you'll be creating stunning, professional-quality HDR content in no time. So get out there, start editing, and have fun with it!



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