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Hydra
Hydra
4.5

2.0

Download (31.6 MB)
HomeGraphics & DesignImage EditingHydra
Hydra free download for Mac

Hydra4.5

13 January 2021

Create artistic or photorealistic HDR images.

Developer website
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Hydra for Mac - review, screenshots

Overview

Hydra lets you create beautiful high-dynamic-range (HDR) images by merging multiple exposures, effectively capturing both dark and bright subjects to make it more natural, or to enhance scene drama. A single photo cannot represent the entire dynamic range of light in a scene, due to the physical limitations of the sensor. The picture is either too dark or too bright, or both. Hydra allows you to overcome this limitation by merging a number of photos with different exposure settings, and to create a natural image that is much closer to what your eyes actually see. Alternatively, Hydra can also artistically push contrasts to increase drama and emotion in your pictures beyond reality. This new release of Hydra has been optimized for latest macOS enhancements, and it provides native Metal support with maximum performance, in addition to a more modern and simpler user interface.

New and Improved Features
  • Optimized for Metal
  • Elegant and easy-to-use translucent user interface
  • Automatic or manual image alignment with high-precision live positioning and fine-tuning
  • Manual removal of ghosting artefacts using region delineation tool and per-region output contribution
  • High-precision, 128-bit internal format
  • Much improved tone mapping including presets, and live, full-resolution preview
  • Advanced comparison tool of result against original pictures
  • Single or multiple input photos of various formats (JPEG, RAW, HDR, EXR)
  • Blazingly fast rendering to various output file types (JPG, TIFF, HDR, EXR) and color spaces (sRGB, Pro Photo, AdobeRGB...)
  • Accurate color processing, including support for Deep and Wide Color displays (30-bit, DCI-P3 display of latest iMac 27’)
  • Integration with Apple Photos app (input / output)

What's new in Hydra

Version 4.5:

Hydra has been rebuilt to take advantage of Apple Silicon CPU & GPU capabilities, and to deliver optimal performance in image processing (Metal), and more.

  • Fixed a crash that could occur when processing a project with image alignment enabled.

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How would you rate Hydra app?

31 Reviews of Hydra

2
DanielaPaletti5904
19 October 2020
Version: 4.3.1

Most helpful

Some time ago I bought version 4.2 but on my iMac i3 it just doesn't work, after uploading the photos for the HDR process everything appears black, I tried version 4.3 hoping that in the meantime the problems were solved but apparently not. I must say it was a wrong purchase.
(1)
2
DanielaPaletti5904
19 October 2020
Version: 4.3.1
Some time ago I bought version 4.2 but on my iMac i3 it just doesn't work, after uploading the photos for the HDR process everything appears black, I tried version 4.3 hoping that in the meantime the problems were solved but apparently not. I must say it was a wrong purchase.
(1)
Maurizio-G
01 September 2016
Version: 4.0.3
Too overpriced app with a bad support service. I've written many times about a problem but I didnt 'receive a satisfactory service. I 'm sorry I bought it but I unistall it.
(3)
Show comment (1)
2
Staps Fanny
17 August 2016
Version: 4.0
Well overpriced app that has many issue regarding the UI They claim it is fast with Metal, but to be honest it is dreadful slow on my MBPr i7 It crashes at random adding large image files and is slow reacting when changing some effects. This just doesn't work for me. Sorry.
(1)
Show comment (1)
2
StrictlyBagel
22 December 2013
Version: 3.2
I've installed the latest plug-in from the developer's website… but still get the following error when using it in Aperture: "Hydra plugin is too old to be used with this version of Hydra. Please update the plugin from our website." Wrote to developer… no reply. I'm running the latest version 3.2.
(0)
Show comment (1)
5
IloveBurma
25 July 2013
Version: 3.1.1
FYI: 20% off Hydra on the Mac AppStore this summer. Nice deal
(0)
4.5
Birdy53
18 January 2013
Version: 3.1.1
Very easy app to learn. Produces impressive HDR Photo results. The interface is clean and very Mac like. Outstanding alignment tools, I was producing images in no time. Highly recommended.
(0)
3
limies
23 November 2012
Version: 3.1.1
I prefer Photomatix - it's a classic soft !
(0)
3.5
Clint007
24 August 2012
Version: 3.0.2
I've bought the Hydra Pro last year, I have the version 3.0.1 But it is another person who receive the note from Apple to get it upgrade and the link is on my eMail. That person never bought Hydro Pro. !- Is my version 3.0.1 is up-to date? 2. Hydra doesn't have eMail address, same for Creaceed!! 3. How do I get my correct eMail with Apple concerning that notice about Up-to-date.
(0)
Show comment (1)
iBernard
01 August 2012
Version: 3.0.2
I am NOT upgrading to Lion or Mountain Lion as most of my software is NOT COMPATIBLE with either...and it seems like the latest version of HydraPro is one of them. I paid for it, I have a legit registration key for it, and would like to USE WHAT I PAID FOR. What's the scoop here?
(1)
Cowicide
22 June 2012
Version: 3.0.2
Someone should let this developer know that only 40 percent of Mac users are currently using Lion and that's straight from what Apple said at the WWDC keynote a few weeks ago. Alienating people using 10.6.8 at this stage of the game is simply bad business.
(1)
Show comment (1)
3
Roger-Kelley
05 February 2012
Version: 3.0.2
Given that Lightroom 4, now in Beta, seems to have enhanced HDR features, one wonders whether Hydra Pro for $50 will be a cost effective purchase. The ratings stars below are purely arbitrary. http://lightroomkillertips.com/2012/new-lightroom-4-preset-the-hdr-look/
(1)
4
benoit311080
23 January 2012
Version: 3.0.2
I upgraded last week to the new 3.0 version. I'm glad to see that the developers continue to improve Hydra. It's my favorite app to render HDR pictures. The new UI is really nice. The tool to remove ghost effects is a killing feature. PS : If the developers read this thread, I would like to have Quick Look implemented on the document files.
(2)
4.5
IloveBurma
03 January 2012
Version: 3.0.2
I am glad it is now localized in Italian as well. :-) Ciao!
(1)
5
Marilou53
03 January 2012
Version: 3.0.2
Version 3 is a huge step forward! I was already satisfied with version 2 but they improved the application even further. Keep on the good work, I really appreciate!
(2)
4.5
Birdy53
03 January 2012
Version: 3.0.2
I really like Hydra 3. It processes HDR images much faster than any other HDR software.
(2)
5
Steph26
06 December 2011
Version: 3.0.1
Je possédais la version précédente 2.0 et elle me convenait parfaitement. Etant passée sous « lion » le changement fut obligatoire. Je peux vous dire que cette nouvelle version a été revue totalement, ergonomie plus fluide, fonction plein écran, richesse des préréglages et réglages, facilité d’utilisation et en final un résultat époustouflant que ce soit avec une ou plusieurs photos. Du HDR de haut niveau ! Cerise sur le gâteau toujours la possibilité de contacter les gens de Creeaced qui sont à l’écoute des utilisateurs que nous sommes……. Stéphy26
(3)
Show comments (5)
Peterpan23
03 November 2011
Version: 3.0.1
And the winner is... ...also not version 3.0.1 !! Exactly the same habit (1,5 GB RAM used, Core2Duo on 10.7.2 gets blocked totally, crash with bigger files) like the previous version. And still NO AMSWER from the DEV. Just as a reminder: I did send the Dev an exact description with URL of my test files.
(1)
Show comment (1)
Peterpan23
13 October 2011
Version: 3.0
I did a re-test on the new 10.7.2 with exactly the same results like on the developer previews of Lion and on SnowLeo: Finally I can say without any exaggeration, that Hydra Pro 3.0 is a RAM-eating monster who even "beats" Photoshop easily (over 1,2 GB with midsize JPEGS around 8 Mpix. With JPEGs over 20 Mpixel Hydra hangs immediately after starting HDR-processing. I did send a summery of my tests to the developer more than a week ago. Still no answer!!
(0)
Show comments (4)
3
Surfspirit
10 October 2011
Version: 3.0
It uses huge amounts of RAM, it's intel 64Bits only and is not compatible with some graphic cards, I see the benefits of 64 bits and Graphic Card acceleration but making an app so restricted and just for HDR is pushing system requirements too much!
(0)
4
Wolf01
07 October 2011
Version: 3.0
Très Bonne app pour le HDR . L'interface est une réussite et son intégration avec Lion et Aperture est vraiment bonne. Les améliorations avec cette mise à jour sont nombreuses, bien pensées et efficaces. L'application est stable (je n'ai pour le moment pas rencontrer de bug). Bref une MàJ vraiment intéressante et qui rends cette application encore plus prometteuse. Je l'a recommande à tous les photographes amateur et pro qui se lancent dans le HDR. Bravo à Creaceed.
(3)
3
Achim2
07 October 2011
Version: 3.0
The basic functionality is given, results are quite good. But: - no documentation, i.e. none at all (except a crappy developer video on their site). The user interface is not exactly self-explanatory. - Aperture plug-in installed incorrectly (you have to manually change the rights of the plug-in folder to make it work ...) - "Import" menu item does nothing (I found out by trial and error that it only works after selecting "New...", which just opens a stupidly animated drag and drop window); it should at least be greyed out when it's not working. Again: some documentation or help files are necessary! - when paying for the full version using instant Paypal, you don't get your registration code immediately but have to wait for hours.
(0)
Show comment (1)
Peterpan23
06 October 2011
Version: 3.0
Hydra 3.0 works for me with JPEG around 1600x2600 px but it needs over 800 MB Ram. That’s definitely to much folks!!!
(1)
Peterpan23
06 October 2011
Version: 3.0
Crash on 10.7.2 (11C62): Load single file - 24 Mpixel JPEG from SONY A77 with 4000x6000 - then (try to) change from BASIC mode to DETAILS. Hydra Pro eats over 1.2 GB Ram and.... nothing happens. Tried also smaller JPEGS from other cameras with the same result.
(0)
Show comments (2)
1.5
mpiekielnik
22 August 2011
Version: 2.3
Hydra Pro is practically useless in most scenarios as its built in alignment tool do not works. Literally - it is there, but nothing happens when you enable it.
(1)
Show comments (8)
5
Marilou53
10 August 2011
Version: 2.3
I absolutely love Hydra. It gives your pictures an amazing finish. It's extremely easy to use as the computer does it all for you. Although it is a bit pricey, it is a lot better than Photoshop and all those other photo-editing apps. I would definitely recommend this one!!!
(2)
4
IloveBurma
10 August 2011
Version: 2.3
Hydra is different from other HDR applications available for the Mac. First of all, they know what HDR actually means. They don't pretend you can make an HDR from a single JPEG because you need either several JPEGs/RAWs..., or a single RAW to get an HDR image. Don't believe people saying they can turn almost anything into HDR images. These apps are only playing with basic parameters like contrast and saturation. Second, it has an amazing range of controls while remaining easy to use. And last but not least, it renders images much faster than most HDR apps. I have a request though: please add batch processing soon. I need this!
(1)
Uncoy
20 July 2009
Version: 2.1.1
I agree with the suggestion to go with Bracketeer. I checked out Hydra's galleries and the results are atrociously artificial. The team look like nice people and they have their marketing sorted. Pity about the software.
(2)
Show comments (2)
3
Captsaltyjack
22 May 2008
Version: 1.5.2
I didn't care for Hydra, to be frank. I took different shots, some of them with 3-bracket ranges, others with 5-bracket ranges. The results that Hydra spit out were poor, weirdly saturated (kind of a "candied" look to it), or underexposed. I took the same exact photo sets and ran them through Bracketeer (GUI frontend for Enfuse), and the results were stunning. With some tweaks, they looked even better. Can't recommend Hydra. Go for Bracketeer, save a few bucks, and get a better performer too.
(6)
4
sterlingdax
13 May 2008
Version: 1.5
Well, they didn't lie, it now has tonemapping as well as an Aperture plugin! The plugin is in beta, and will expire in June or July, but it's been working for me so far. I want to say that it's more like an automator action, where it loads aperture, then imports your rendered image into a folder/project you select, but that's fine with me too! Been playing with this a bit tonight, and it sure is fun. I really need to start bracketing more of my shots, I did it for a while, but got out of the habit. The regular HDR images were great out of this app, it did what it was supposed to do. I suppose the best compliment to get for a HDR picture is that someone doesn't 'see it'. The tonemapping I am still experimenting with, and have had interesting results so far. Gotta love it.
(1)
Show comments (4)
sterlingdax
06 May 2008
Version: 1.0.4
You've gotta describe what you did in each app before you talk about 'wow' results. Photomatix is a HDR/Tone Mapping application, Hydra is not at the moment, although Tone Mapping is coming in a future release, according to my communication with the developer, he said in the 'Spring', I emailed him back and told him the dogwoods are blooming and the birds chirping here already :)
(1)
Richcastillo
23 January 2008
Version: 1.0.1
I'm a pro shooter and frequent user of Photomatix Pro. Naturally, this app caught my attention while doing my daily scan of Macupdate. I must admit I have only tried this app with one set of 3 frames (a red covered bridge in Maryland with a menacingly dark cloudy sky) and I have not read the documentation. However, I think that one shot, "do or die" test is a valid test of a solid app, especially considering that I know my way around the Mac. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. A clean Cocca interface is no substitute for missing functionality. The resulting "HDR" image was no better than the middle exposure. Just to be fair, I immediately reprocessed the same 3 images in Photomatix Pro and the result was stunning! If anyone wants to see the comparison just reply. I really wanted this app to work but in my opinion this app is just cool GUI and no real functionality. BTW: the GUI for Photomatix is not at all impressive but man, does it deliver results.
(4)

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$49.99Buy Now

2.0

App requirements: 
  • Intel 64
  • ARM
  • macOS 10.12.0 or later
License: 
Paid • One-Time Purchase
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