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    • Analog Efex
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HDR Efex (Nik Collection)

HDR Efex. Image: Rod Lawton

HDR Efex Pro is a software plug-in for creating HDR (high dynamic range) effects from single images or bracketing sets of exposures. It's part of the DxO Nik Collection. You can apply preset HDR styles with a single click or adjust and make your own effects using extensive manual controls.

See related articles below and this full DxO Nik Collection review

DxO Nik Collection 8 review

May 10, 2025 by Rod Lawton

Nik Collection 8 HDR Efex

Verdict: 4.6 stars Nik Collection 8 has some interesting new features for existing users, but mostly for those who use Photoshop as their main ‘host’ application for launching the plug-ins. Silver Efex gets a major interface overhaul, however. This is very welcome, though its actual capabilities are little changed. Otherwise, apart from some workflow tweaks, it’s business as usual for this epic plug-in suite. Frankly, the Nik Collection is already such a wide-ranging, powerful and inspiring set of photo-enhancement tools that it’s always a bit of a surprise to find DxO has found anything to improve.

Filed Under: ReviewsTagged With: Analog Efex, Color Efex, Dfine, DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection, Sharpener, Silver Efex, Viveza

DxO Nik Collection 6 announced: local adjustments improved, new features

May 16, 2023 by Rod Lawton

There are no new plug-ins in the Nik Collection 6 this time around, but significant feature additions to some and improved local adjustment tools across the board.

Filed Under: NewsTagged With: Analog Efex, Color Efex, Dfine, DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection, Perspective Efex (retired), Sharpener, Silver Efex, Viveza

Using HDR Efex Pro for everyday enhancement

April 18, 2020 by Rod Lawton

Usually, HDR images are pretty obvious. The technique is part of the ‘look’. But it’s also possible to use HDR to enhance regular images to add depth and drama, but winding the effect back just a little so that it’s no longer center stage. So for this shot I used DxO PhotoLab and HDR Efex […]

Filed Under: Ideas, TutorialsTagged With: DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection

Get better Lightroom HDR with the help of HDR Efex Pro

November 30, 2016 by Rod Lawton

The Lightroom HDR tools built in are good in their way, but will only get you so far. Yes, you can boost the shadows, reduce the highlights, add some Clarity and Dehaze and maybe a graduated filter for the sky, but you can end up doing a lot of work only getting half way to the […]

Filed Under: TutorialsTagged With: DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection

Boost your landscapes with HDR Efex Pro

November 10, 2013 by Rod Lawton

Boost landscapes with HDR Efex Pro

HDR Efex Pro isn’t just for special effects. It can enhance your images in much more straightforward ways, improving the tonal balance, sky detail and colour saturation. I like to use it on landscapes, where professionals can wait for hours for the right lighting, but the rest of us have to grab shots when we […]

Filed Under: TutorialsTagged With: DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection

Have you ever tried HDR Efex Pro portraits?

October 3, 2013 by Rod Lawton

HDR Efex Pro portraits

HDR techniques are usually associated with surreal landscapes and architectural photography, but you can create HDR Efex Pro portraits for some unique and powerful effects. This works best with male subjects because it creates a dark, brooding look where every pore and wrinkle is emphasised. I’m starting with this informal photograph taken in the family […]

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Filed Under: TutorialsTagged With: DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection

How to use the HDR Efex Pro merge tools

September 26, 2013 by Rod Lawton

HDR Efex Pro merge tools

Like other HDR tools, HDR Efex Pro 2 is designed to work with a sequence of bracketed exposures which cover a wider dynamic range than a single image could record. This means you need to pay special attention to the HDR Efex Pro merge tools. You’ll see these whenever you open a series of images, […]

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Filed Under: TutorialsTagged With: DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection

Learn how to use HDR Efex Pro 2 presets

September 19, 2013 by Rod Lawton

HDR Efex Pro 2 presets

Nik Software HDR Efex Pro 2 is now part of the DxO Nik Collection, but the software itself is unchanged – it remains one of the most approachable and most effective HDR tools you can get. But while the bundled HDR Efex Pro 2 presets are many and varied, you can also create and save […]

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Filed Under: TutorialsTagged With: DxO, HDR Efex, Nik Collection

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